E.L. Stevens

Col. E.L. Stevens, US Army, Ret.



Colonel E. L.

"Steve" Stevens, 87, passed away peacefully June 28, 2022, at his home in Va Beach, VA, with his family and friends by his side. He was known as Leeman in his younger days and later became known as Steve after joining the Army. He was born June 23, 1935, in Borger, TX, to Nan Yeager Stevens and James Dillard Stevens. It is through his father's bloodline that Steve was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Steve (Leeman) moved to Albuquerque, NM in 1950 with his family. He graduated from Albuquerque High School where he served as Cadet Colonel and Regimental Commander of the Army JROTC Program. He continued with the Army ROTC Program during his four years at Oklahoma University, graduating in 1959 as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree. During his time at OU he became a devoted Sooner for life, demonstrated by much of his wardrobe. Steve completed his education by earning a master's degree from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

Aside from his family, Steve's greatest devotion was to the military where he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry in the US Army, and with true humility rose to the rank of Full Colonel. He served his beloved country for 30 years with courage and compassion. His military service included specialized career training, such as the Infantry Officers' School; Airborne School; Ranger School; Special Forces Qualification

School; Command and General Staff College; and the Army War College. The service to his country spanned four continents with a variety of assignments; too many to list, but included the10th Special Forces Airborne Group in Germany; First Cavalry Airmobile Division in Vietnam; Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon; Operations Officer on the U.S.S. Wright, the President's National Emergency Command Post Afloat; and Emergency Actions Officer for the President's National Emergency Airborne Command Post; Battalion Commander in the 82nd Airborne; Chief of Staff of the 193rd Infantry in Panama; and last duty assignment as the Garrison Commander at Ft Bragg, NC where he retired in June 1989. Steve's performance resulted in many awards and commendations, which include the Silver Star for heroism with multiple Oak Leaf Clusters; three Bronze Stars with V for Valor; numerous Air Medals, Meritorious Service Medals, Legion of Merit Medal;

National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, and Vietnam Campaign Medals.

Steve met Patti, the love of his life and wife of 51 years, in 1969 when he was serving on the USS Wright based in Norfolk, VA.

They married in 1971 and had a very fulfilling life together. After Steve retired, they moved back to Northern Virginia and several years later made their final home in Virginia Beach, VA to be closer to family, including their young grandchildren. Steve's retirement also afforded him the time to enjoy his favorite pass-time of golf and eating a forbidden hot dog with a bottle of beer… don't tell Patti! He took delight in teaching others how to relax, play and relish the game. Steve's ideal vacation spot to relax and spend time with his family was Kiawah Island, SC, a golf haven with an ocean front course and a beach. Steve was an exceptional storyteller and mesmerized anyone listening. He looked forward to family reunions even if it meant traveling to the West Coast. He drove a lot of miles in his 1996 Impala SS to visit family.

Steve was predeceased by parents, Jim and Nan Stevens, brothers Jim Jr. and Larry Stevens.

Steve was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Patti; daughter Robyn Perry; son Thom Perry, wife Julie, children, sons Tripp and Reilly Perry, daughter Caleigh Perry, husband Andrew, son Ashton. Siblings are sister, Charlotte Ferguson, husband Brad, children, sons Burt and Doug Ferguson, daughters Tracy Dunn and Dee Ann Lorkovic; brother Stephen, wife Patty, daughters Charlee Kirtley and

Jamie West; sister Karen Kerby, husband Dale, children Jackie Kerby Moore and Stephen Kerby; sister-in-law Loraine Hertel, husband Wayne, children Stevan Michael Stevens and Stephanie Paques.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the caregivers that cared for Steve so compassionately.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2022, 1:00 p,m,, at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Lynnhaven Chapel, 3600 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, 23452; 757-463-0150. Steve's final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors, date pending. In lieu of flowers, please consider celebrating Steve's life of service through a donation to Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org Condolences may be offered to the family at

www.hollomon-brown.com