Roland Vaughn Stevens

Nov 1, 1929 - April 12, 2010

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Roland Vaughn Stevens, 80, died Monday (April 12, 2010).

He was born Nov. 1, 1929, at Cambridge, Nebraska, to Ernest "T.E." Stevens and Bertha (Decker) Stevens.

He graduated from Cambridge High school in 1948 and went to the University of Nebraska for one year where he ran track. He then transferred to McCook Jr. College where he played football.

He joined the U. S. Army during 1951 and 1952 serving 18 months in Korea. He served with the 7th Cavalry and was awarded the Purple Heart.

In 1953 he married Joan (Kester) Stevens and moved to Des Moines in 1961.

He was a furrier by trade and employed by Evans Fur Company, trade that was taught to him by his father, who operated Stevens Fur's in McCook for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Bertha Stevens; his brother, Gene Stevens; and grandaughter, Molly Huss.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Joan; two daughters, Jane Stevens of Lincoln and Kaye Marasco of Indianola, Iowa; one son, Jim and wife, Stacy Stevens of Des Moines, Iowa; two brothers, Jack and wife, Norma of McCook, Ernie and wife, Lucille Stevens of Loveland, Colorado; one sister, Linda and husband, George Clough of North Platte; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Services are Monday, 10:30 a.m., at the Lockenour Jones Mortuary in Cambridge with Bill Weaver officiating. Interment to follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Cambridge.

Millitary committal by the Cambridge American Legion will be done at graveside.

Visitation will be 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes to have memorial contributions made to donor's charity of choice.

Lockenour Jones Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.