Jack Marion Stevens, 98, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023, in Kerrville, Texas. He was born in Kerrville to Dorothy Doyle Stevens and Homer Newton ''Jack'' Stevens on March 2, 1925. After graduating from Tivy High School in 1941 he attended Schreiner Institute and received an appointment to the US Naval Academy, graduating with the class of 1947. He married Frances Real on June 12, 1946, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Kerrville.

He earned his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1949. During his 30-year career he served as Commanding Officer of VS-28, Commander Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 50, and Commanding Officer, USS WICHITA (AOR-1). He received the Legion of Merit (two awards), Bronze Star (two awards), Military Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and many campaign medals and awards.

After Jack retired as a Navy Captain in 1976, he and Frances settled near Hunt, Texas, on family land, where they have lived for the last forty-seven years. He loved the land and together they would work their cattle, cut cedar, take walks, and host family and friends in their Hill Country haven. They were members of the German Club and other dance groups, enjoying Big Band music and dancing.

Jack served the community on the Board of the Schreiner Former Students Association, the county Tax Appraisal Review Board, the 911 Board, and the Board of Directors for Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital for over 17 years. He was an active member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association, serving as president of USNA class of '47 for many years. He was an honorary member of the Tejas Vaqueros.

Jack was an extraordinary man - from attaining the rank of Eagle Scout as a youth to his illustrious naval career. Jack was a born leader and public speaker - he commanded the room. Jack was the ultimate storyteller and conversationalist. People loved to be around him because of his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and H. N. ''Jack'' Stevens, and his brother, Merrill Doyle Stevens.

Survivors include his loving wife of 77 years, Frances Real Stevens; children, Jack M. Stevens, Jr. (Lesle), Susan Stevens Crummel (Richard), and Janet Stevens; grandchildren, Christie, Michael, Jason, Courtney, Lindsey, Blake, Jackie, and Dani; and great-grandchildren, Sophia, Matthew, Lily, McKinley, Jaxson, Dylan, Margot, Addison, Jackson, Ellen Frances, and Rafe.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 320 St. Peter Street, Kerrville, Texas. A reception will follow at Tucker Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Schreiner University, Peterson Health Foundation, Hill Country Youth Ranch, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, or the charity of your choice.

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