Lyle Stevens

Lyle Eugene Stevens

Lyle Eugene Stevens, age 84 and longtime resident of Beatrice passed away on February 28, 2020, at the Nebraska Heart Institute surrounded by his family. Following a stroke in 2010, Lyle's health had gradually declined. He was born on July 20, 1935 in Beatrice to Clyde and Ruby May. Lyle was later adopted by Violet and Roy Stevens Sr. He graduated from Beatrice High School in 1953 and attended Fairbury Junior College where he played football. Lyle played baseball as well and was considered to be a prospect for a pro team, however, he choose a different path. From 1954-1956, Lyle served in the United States Army. Lyle married Janis L. Stewart on February 24, 1957 and raised their three boys, Bob, Scott and Craig. After Jan's passing from a battle with cancer, Lyle married Bonnie Gardner on May 4, 1996. He spent the rest of his life with Bonnie, a loving and devoted wife. On March 4, 2007, he was baptized in and attended the Church of Christ.

Lyle was a devoted dad who had a remarkable work ethic which he instilled in his sons. He worked for Dobson Brothers Construction as well as other major construction companies. In 1991, the family started their own concrete business, Stevens Construction. He and his sons worked together for many years before Lyle retired at the age of 62. He liked music from the 50s, especially Elvis. In his earlier years, he and his wife Jan, enjoyed dancing, especially the jitter bug. He enjoyed watching sporting events, especially Nebraska sports and Cornhusker football. He coached a men's softball team and led them to a league championship. Lyle liked to joke and make you smile. He had a very generous and caring heart and would help others whenever he could. Lyle's hobbies included making and giving woodcrafts to family and friends, gardening, fishing, time at the casino, and traveling to Branson where he enjoyed various entertainment shows. He had fun trying to impersonate famous actors such as Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, and James Cagney and his family thought he was quite good at it.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; sons Bob, Scott (Alecia), Craig (Gina) Stevens; stepson Kevin Gardner; stepdaughter Rachele (Jon) Eller; 7 grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; 1 step-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his birth parents, Ruby and Clyde May; adoptive parents Violet and Roy Stevens Sr.; wife Janis Stevens; brothers Jim Mott; Jay Mott; Roy Stevens Jr.; Jack Stevens; Jerry May.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at the Church of Christ, 10th and Grant Streets in Beatrice with Pastor David Bigley officiating. Interment in the Evergreen Home Cemetery with military honors provided by Biting-Norman Post #27, American Legion. The body will lie in state Tuesday from 10 A.M.-8:00 P.M. at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice and at the church one hour preceding the funeral on Wednesday. Family prayer service will be held at 10:15 A.M. Wednesday at the church. A memorial had been established to the church with the funeral home in charge. Sign Lyle's online guest book at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.