Donald Scott Stevens

Donald Stevens, born October 25, 1951, passed away in the early morning hours of May 31, 2025. Don was a loving and devoted husband to Carolyn Stevens, and they were married on September 10, 1983. Together, they had three sons, Matthew, Christopher, and Daniel Stevens. He welcomed two daughters-in-law into his family: Amber Stevens, who is married to Christopher Stevens, and Becky Stevens, who is married to Daniel Stevens. He was the proud grandfather of 7: Taylor Booth, Emily Stevens, Caden Stevens, Keira Stevens, Kyler Stevens, Jason Stevens, and Melissa Stevens. Don cherished a group of close friends who, over the years, became as close as family, including many children who considered him a second dad.

Don was a lifelong Junction City resident with his only time away from the community being his years in college at the Emporia Teachers College, now part of Emporia State University. He graduated from the 1969 class of Junction City High School. He attended the state wrestling tournament in his senior year of high school and continued his wrestling journey in college at Emporia. Following his graduation from the Emporia Teachers College in 1973, he returned to Junction City and began teaching at Fort Riley Middle School.

Don spent his entire teaching career at Fort Riley Middle School, teaching a variety of subjects and coaching multiple sports. He most enjoyed his time as a physical education teacher, where he regularly expressed that he got to spend his days in “glorified recess with kids.” His passion for wrestling persisted even after college, where he served as an assistant coach for Junction City High School before assuming the role of head wrestling coach at Fort Riley Middle School. Don completed his career serving 32 years as a wrestling coach. Don also served in several other sports, including volleyball, football, and golf.

Don’s involvement with Geary County sports went beyond the coaching realm. Don spent many years as the primary announcer for Junction City High School Sports. He was the Voice of the Blue Jays for more than twenty years, announcing for sports such as football, basketball, wrestling, soccer, and baseball.

Don’s favorite organization was the Boy Scouts of America. Don was a lifelong scout; he earned many accolades. He earned his Eagle Scout at the age of 14 and devoted his life to working with other scouts. During his career with the organization, he also earned the Silver Beaver, the highest honor awarded to adult Scouts. Don organized the Quivira District Pinewood Derby for many years. He also worked with Boy Scout Camps, such as Camp Brown in Abilene, KS, and Camp Hansen in Kirwin, KS. Don also attended and earned his Wood Badge. As a mentor in Boy Scouts, Don served as an Eagle Mentor, helping other Boy Scouts plan, develop, and submit their Eagle projects. He later served as an Eagle Board Member, where he and a team of other lifelong Scouts would analyze and evaluate Eagle Projects to determine if a Boy Scout had earned their Eagle Scout Badge. Don continued to serve in this position until his health prevented him from continuing.

Don was a pillar in the Junction City community, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a man who loved life. He will be remembered fondly by those who knew him, and he will be deeply missed by those who survive him.

A celebration of life service is pending at Camp Brown in Abilene, Kansas.

Memorial donations are suggested to be given to B.S.A. Brown Memorial Camp 1091 1900 Ave. Abilene, Kansas 67410.