Michael Dean Stevens

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP - Michael Dean Stevens, 72, passed away unexpectedly on November 23rd at his home in Lawrence Township. He was the second of five children born to James & Evangelia (Pappas) Stevens on May 8th, 1950 in Middlebranch, Ohio.
He attended Plain Township Schools and graduated from Glenwood High School with the Class of 1968. He went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Education degree from Kent State University in 1972.
He was married in the Summer of 1976 to Diana Sabatula of Shaker Heights. They built their home on an empty plot of land in the heart of Lawrence Township in 1979 next to Clay's Park, where they met. He was always an outgoing and community-minded individual; he was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, was once a member and President of the Canal Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and was also an elected Lawrence Township Trustee from 1992 to present. He began a career as a teacher at Jackson High School in 1972. He also worked at Clay's Park as a waterfront director, picnic coordinator and general manager from 1974-2002; then went on to work for the Stark County Auditor's Office, and then took the helm as Superintendent of the Massillon City Road Department, from where he retired in 2012.
He was an avid golfer, loved going to local high school football games, and was a very involved and active coach for his daughters' softball and basketball teams over the years. When at games but not coaching, he was an active spectator, and local referees feared him. He also loved to watch his grandchildren play their various chosen sports.
Mike will be remembered by his family for his generosity, kindness, selflessness, and the huge love he had for his family. He was a very easy person to talk to and had a warm, inviting personality, as most who knew him well would agree. You could talk to Mike about nearly anything under the sun and it would be a rewarding experience. He always seemed to know what to say. But just as (if not more) importantly, he knew just as well that good conversation went both ways and was a very good and intent listener. His abrupt absence leaves a large hole in our lives and he will deeply missed by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and survived by his wife Diana, daughter Emily Warstler and her husband Brian, daughter Kristen Artzner and her husband Craig, grandchildren Maddelyn, Hunter, & Avery. He is also survived by his two brothers, Jim (Debbie) Stevens, and Mark Stevens; his two sisters, Jane (Walt) Miller, and Joann (Bob) Vogley; and his two sisters-in-law, Karen (Miguel) Lacson, and Janice (Paul) Delisle, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be SATURDAY, December 3rd from 1pm to 4pm at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 Cherry St. E (Rt. 93) Canal Fulton. A private celebration of life with close friends and family will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 336 West Market Street, Canal Fulton, OH 44614.
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