Donald ‘Jean’ Stevenson, retired state trooper
Delaware State Police Master Cpl. (retired) Donald "Jean" Stevenson, 77, a lifelong resident of Georgetown, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, Dec. 20, 2017, at his son's home in Virginia Beach, Va., after a brief but tenacious fight with cancer.
After graduating from Georgetown High School, Jean served his nation proudly from 1958-62 as a helicopter mechanic and rescue swimmer in the U.S. Navy. After returning home, Jean continued his service to the local community by joining the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company, where he remained active from 1962 until his death. He held positions with Station 77 including company president and chief engineer. In line with his dedication to service, Jean, known as Pappy to his classmates, entered and successfully graduated with the 33rd Recruit Academy Class Jan. 15, 1971. He proudly protected and served as a Delaware State Trooper until his retirement Aug. 22, 1994. In retirement Jean remained very active with the fire company, traveled to annual Navy Helicopter Alumni Association events, enjoyed showing off his Corvettes, and spent many weekends in Virginia Beach with his son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons as a big part of their lives.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Charles B. Stevenson Jr., and Myrtle W. Stevenson.
Jean is survived by his son Keith and wife Dorene Stevenson; grandsons Alex and Eric Stevenson; companion Carol Kendal; brothers Charles and Sally Stevenson, and Jim and Brenda Stevenson; nephews Charles "Chip" and Tina Stevenson, and Jeff Stevenson; niece Tracey and Randy Ingram; as well as many grand-nieces and -nephews.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, Dec. 28, at noon in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Jean Stevenson to the Delaware Burn Camp. Donation information may be found at www.delawareburncamp.com.
