Donald L. "D.L." Stevens, 90, of Hampton, beloved husband, father, and Pawpaw, went home to be with his Lord on August 1, 2026.

He was born on February 1, 1936, and was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Stevens; his parents, Clyde and Naomi Stevens; his mother-in-law, Iris Hazelwood; and three brothers-in-law.

D.L. graduated from Hampton High School in 1954 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State University on June 6, 1958, and received his Master of Arts in 1972. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve on March 14, 1958, and retired in 1996 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He began his career with Kingsport City Schools in 1959, where he served as a teacher and later Assistant Principal at Ross N. Robinson Middle School. After 39 years of dedicated service, he retired in 1998.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Lou Stevens; his son, Craig (Kelley) Stevens of Greenback, Tennessee; his granddaughter, Katie (Dakota) Stiles of Knoxville, Tennessee; his grandsons, Nick Stevens (fiancée Emily Mewborne) of Charleston, South Carolina, and Jack Stevens of Greenback, Tennessee; and his brothers-in-law and best friends, Dwain (Joyce) Hazelwood and Ralph (Pam) Hazelwood.

D.L.'s favorite pastimes were playing golf, raising a garden, and working in the yard to keep it looking its best.

D.L.'s love for God was evident in the way he lived his life. He was a devoted Christian who loved reading the Bible and Bible commentaries. He was a faithful member of Rittertown Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School and served as a deacon for many years.

A Service to Celebrate the life of D.L. will be conducted at 3 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2026 in Memorial Funeral Chapel with Pastor Richard Stout officiating. Interment will follow in the Rittertown Cemetery with Tommy Haynes officiating. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday prior to the service. The family would like to express a special thank you to the Nurses and Staff of Gentive Hospice for their respect and excellent care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rittertown Cemetery Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family at our web-site www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

“Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your master."

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Stevens family