The Fresno Bee April 9, 2001
DEWEESE STEVENS Obituary
DeWeese W. Stevens of Selma CA, passed away April 6, 2001 in Fresno. He was born September 14, 1920, in Glendora, CA, and preceded in death by first wife, Carol Penfield Stevens in 1980, his mother Lula King Stevens in 1982 and his father Preston DeWeese Stevens in 1947. Mr. Stevens was superintendent of Dinuba Public Schools from 1962 to 1980. Previously, he was principal of Banning Union High School, Banning, CA and vice principal of Palo Verde High School, Blythe, CA. Mr. Stevens began his educational career at Rosemead High School, Rosemead, CA, after 1949 graduation from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He also received an MA degree from Oregon State College at Corvallis. After retiring from public schools, he helped found Cathedral Christian School, Selma. He was school administrator and principal for a time and later board chairman. He also owned a printing business in Fresno until 1989. Always active, he spent his last years working as a senior citizen at Swanson-Fahrney in Selma. Mr. Stevens served in professional and community leadership roles, and was devoted to family and church. He served as Banning Rotary Club president, and later as a Dinuba Rotary Club member. He was active in Rosemead and Tulare County YMCA?s, and served in leadership roles in California Teachers Assocation and Assocation of California School Administrators. He was a Gideons International member for over 40 years, serving in local and state offices. For many years he was board secretary to Cathedral of Light Church. Besides serving on Selma civic boards and committees, he was also Chaplain for American Legion, Post 12. Mr. Stevens was in the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1942 until 1945, and served overseas in the European Theater. Mr. Stevens is survived by his wife, Gladys Shelley Helm Stevens. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., April 10, 2001, Cathedral of Light Church, 3200 McCall Avenue, Selma. Burial follows at Alta Cemetary, Dinuba. Remembrances may be made to: Gideons International, Selma Camp, P. O. Box 439, Selma, CA 93662, or to a favorite charity.
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FAMILY:
FATHER: Preston DeWeese Stevens 28 Jun 1889 Cedar Vale Chautgauqua KS, died 11 JUL 1947 Pasadena Los Angeles CA.
MOTHER: Lula Du King born 17 Jan 1890 Beech Grove McLean KY, died16 Oct 1982 Selma Fresno CA.
FIRST WIFE: Carol Lucille Penfield born 27 Dec 1923, Pasadena Los Angeles CA, died 30 Oct 1980, Orange Cove Fresno CA. Buried Dinuba Fresno CA. Carol's parents - Vincent Elbridge Penfield born in Santa Barbara CA; Mabel Wenger born in KS.
SECOND WIFE: Gladys Norabelle (Shelley) Helm born 20 Feb 1923, Brawley San Bernadino CA. Died 9 Apr 2003 Selma Fresno CA. (First husband Lon Quim Helm born Okmulgee OK.) Gladys' parents - Curtis Shelley born Richwood McDonald MO; Nora Belle Little born Clark Co. IN.