Richard Louis “Steve” Stevenson 1934-2026
The day we anticipated but couldn’t imagine has come. It is with sadness that the Stevenson family announces the passing of our amazing patriarch, father, grand and great-grandfather, Richard Louis Stevenson, 91, of Mineola, who passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
He was born as “one of three” on June 19, 1934 in Stamford to James Alvie Stevenson Sr. and Laura Kay (Helton) Stevenson. Through a course of events Steve wound up in Fort Worth, where he attended Paschal High School and met his beloved wife, Billie Jean Tyler. He charmed her with his prowess on roller skates and his passion for country western dancing. Steve enlisted into the U.S. Navy, with his father’s consent, at only ten days past his 17th birthday in 1951. He and Billie Jean married shortly thereafter in August 1953 and began a new life of adventure. Throughout his life, he continued to be a proud and dedicated Navy veteran who had served in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. Along the way, their family was expanded by the births of their three daughters: Melody Elaine, Amy Kirsten and Georgina Louise.
After serving for 24 years, Steve retired from the Navy with the rank of chief petty officer. He found a second career with Owens Illinois in Alameda, Calif. A second retirement took a different turn with an RV and life on the road before finally settling down in Mineola (their home for 37 years).
For most of his life, Steve was an avid bowler and achieved the prestige of becoming a member of the “300” Club. His mind was incredibly sharp and his spirit, curiosity, sarcasm and humor were usually on display for his friends and family during many card, cribbage, dice and domino games. He defied his age and left us peacefully.
Steve is survived by his three daughters and their spouses: Melody and Stephen Cabral, Amy and David Faucett and Georgina and David Carraher. Thank you, Dad, for everything you taught us and how you loved us. We will always love you. We will always remember your joy for life and your and Mom’s dancing on a whim.
He leaves behind his six grandchildren, Peter Joseph and wife Emily, Eowyn Drue and husband Jon, Tyler Joseph, Cameron Tyler and wife Dawn, Matthew Collin and wife Blair, and Trevor Alan; as well as 12 great-grandchildren: Tyler Ray, Peyton Joseph, Evan Michael, Joshua William, Greyson Spencer, Lyric Corbin, Memphis Jack, Greyson Kenneth, Quinn Noelle, Kierra Nicole, Madison Renee and Liam James; and his loyal friends of many years of whom he was affectionately known as “Chief.”
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and loving partner of 61 years, Billie Jean (Tyler) Stevenson. He was the last surviving member of his family as his parents and all of his siblings, Mamee Katherine, Vonaree, Wendell Glenn and his triplet siblings Fredrick Thomas and James Alvie Jr. passed before him.
Steve was laid to rest with military honors at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 1:15 pm. A celebration of life was held the following day at his granddaughter’s home in Mineola.
