Archie D. Stevens

Archie D. Stevens, age 93, of Onaway, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 19, 2026. He was the son of George Sr. and Mabel (Merchant) Stevens and was born in Forest Township on September 20, 1932. Archie's early family life was shaped by the stories of the Stevens boys from Tower getting mixed up with the McClary girls from Atlanta. The families became closely connected when three Stevens brothers married three McClary sisters. Archie was one of the brothers who joined this union, marrying Florence McClary.

Archie and Florence were married on November 30, 1957, in Atlanta, a date that coincided with the last day of deer season - a fact that Archie cheerfully reminded Florence of throughout their fifty years of marriage. Their long union was marked by love, companionship, and shared memories, with Archie never missing the opportunity to mention their anniversary and its special timing each year. After their wedding, Archie and Florence settled in Forest Township. There, they devoted themselves to raising their daughters, Shirley and Sally.

Archie was well known for his hardworking nature and deep understanding of logging and forestry. As the owner and operator of Archie Stevens Forest Products, he built a reputation for his skill and expertise in the industry. Archie was unmatched in his ability to operate a skidder and was master of the chainsaw. His commitment to his work was evident; even at ninety-two years old, he continued to skid out firewood, cut, and neatly stack it. Archie's strong will, physical strength, and fierce independence defined his character.

In addition to his work in the forestry industry, Archie ran a family farm where he raised cows, pigs, and rabbits, cut and baled hay, and with the help of Florence and their girls, oversaw all the tasks that come with running a farm. With his years of farming came a deep appreciation for tractors leading to Archie's impressive collection. Archie wasn't fussy when it came to brands; he enjoyed all tractors, regardless of make or model.

Born and raised in Northern Michigan, outdoor activities were a tradition and played a big part in the life of Archie Stevens. He was an avid deer hunter and loved fly fishing along the Black River. Winters were especially memorable for Archie and his family, as he organized snowmobiling adventures that brought everyone together. These long excursions through the woods often included a break to build a fire and roast hot dogs for lunch before venturing out again.

When the summer months arrived, Archie continued to prioritize family gatherings. He often visited his daughters and their families during their camping trips, making sure to join them for dinner before returning home to be ready for work the next morning. Weekends held a special place in Archie's heart, as he reserved them for taking his grandchildren and all the children from the campground out on the lake for water skiing. He found great happiness in seeing his grandchildren enjoy these experiences. Nothing pleased him more than sharing the thrill of water skiing with his grandkids, creating lasting memories for everyone.

Archie was never one to sit idle; he always found something to occupy his time. Among his many hobbies, riding motorcycles was another one of his passions. Archie and his brother, Earl, shared a fondness for adventure, often taking their Gold Wing motorcycles on journeys across the state. What began as a quick ride sometimes turned into hours, with the brothers venturing far beyond their original plans. Their motorcycling adventures were filled with laughter and memorable experiences. Archie and Earl enjoyed recounting the stories of getting lost and the amusing mishaps that occurred during their travels.

Archie was deeply proud of his country and demonstrated his patriotism through his service in the United States Navy. As a veteran, he often reflected fondly on his time in the military, especially recalling his experiences while stationed in the Mediterranean. These memories remained important to him throughout his life. Archie valued the friendships he formed during his service and made a point to stay in touch with several of his fellow Navy sailors. He was a member of Onaway VFW Post 5857.

Archie Stevens was truly an all-around great guy, known for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. His lighthearted nature made him fun to be around, and he was admired for his humility and sincerity. Even as he approached his ninety-second year, when the effects of aging began to limit his mobility, Archie was determined to stay active and independent. He met these new challenges with the help of a golf cart, which allowed him to keep up with daily routines, work around his home, and continue with some of his hobbies. Archie approached life with remarkable enthusiasm, always displaying a genuine zest that inspired those around him.

Family was always Archie's top priority. He devoted himself to his loved ones, consistently putting their needs above all else. This dedication earned him the deep affection and respect of his children and grandchildren, who cherished the time spent with him and valued his guidance. Archie's legacy is rooted in the love he shared with his family and the lasting impact he made through his admirable character.

Surviving are his daughters, Shirley (Scott) Jennings and Sally (Dan) Shephard, both of Onaway; six grandchildren, Kiley McDonald, Jessica (Jamie) Price, Danielle (Mitch) Roat, Heidi (Jack) Dalzotto, Jimmy Shephard, and Lori (Dan) Olmsted; as well as twenty great grandchildren; and seven great, great grandchildren. He also leaves his sister, Donna Camp of Tower and many nieces and nephews.

Archie was preceded in death by his wife, Florence, in 2007; brothers, Stanley, John, Bob, George Jr., Ronald, and Earl; and his sister, Alice Camp.

In accordance with Archie's wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will gather to honor his memory with a celebration of life, which will be scheduled at a later date. Archie will be laid to rest beside Florence at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Tower.