Donald E. Stavens

Donald E. Stavens
Donald E. Stavens, 85, of Myrtle Beach, SC, and previously of Ellington, CT, beloved husband of 65 years to Rosalie (Milite) Stavens, passed away following a short illness on Monday, August 18, 2025. He was born on June 25, 1940, in Manchester, one of five children to Emil and Doris (Geer) Stavens.
Don grew up in Vernon and was a graduate of Rockville High School. During his time there, he was active in the choir and sang with the Octets alongside Gene Pitney. Don began his athletic career at the age of nine in Little League and continued to play throughout high school and adult leagues. He was a member of the Ellington Fire Department and was also very involved, as well as coached, in the Ellington Little League program and youth football program. He was a member of the Crystal Lake Ski Club, performing shows across the state, and was a longtime member of Ellington Congregational Church, singing in their choir for over 15 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed snowmobiling, water skiing and golfing. Although our time with him has come to an end, his memory will be cherished in the hearts of all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Darlene O'Neill and her husband Owen of Canton, MA; his son, David Stavens and his wife Heather of Ellington; his beloved grandchildren, Erin Stavens of Tolland, Patrick Stavens and his wife Macy, Madison, Eimile, and Liam Stavens, all of Ellington; his two great-grandchildren, Livia Rosalie and Kohen Chester Stavens; his two sisters, Marilyn Conklin of Chester, NY, and Marjorie Otto and her husband Thomas of Conway, SC; his brother, Michael Stavens and his wife Kathleen of Vernon; his sister-in-law, Barbara Stavens of Conway, SC, and Rachel Milite Rainville of Prospect, CT; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and their families. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his twin brother, Ronald Stavens; and his brother-in-law, John Rainville.
A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 3-6 p.m. at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Rd. (Rt 83) in Vernon. A memorial service will be celebrated on Friday, September 5, beginning at 11 a.m. directly at the Ellington Congregational Church, 72 Main St., Ellington. At the request of his family, burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 1933, Hartford, CT 06144 or to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.