David Latham Stevens

David Latham Stevens, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) 88, of Springfield, passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.

He was born November 8, 1929 in Springfield, Illinois to Thaddeus Stevens and Elizabeth McMinn nee Souther. He married Carol Beatrice Arnold on January 27, 1951. She preceded him in death on February 28, 2014.

Also preceding in death was his brother, Richard Chase Stevens, on August 4, 1994.

Dave is survived by his brother, Logan “Chip” Lindsay McMinn; his children, Thomas Stevens (Ruth) of Indianapolis, Indiana, Gary Stevens (Kathleen) of Chatham, Larry Stevens (Tammy) of Springfield and Joan Stevens Thome (Tim) of Glenarm; as well as two grandchildren, Evan Stevens and Lillian Stevens.

Dave was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in 1953 as a tank commander where he was awarded a Bronze Star (Valor). After the war, he continued to serve as an officer in the Illinois National Guard until his retirement in 1984.

Dave published a genealogy after his retirement detailing a rich ancestry that included the first settlers of Sangamon County and many friends and associates of Abraham Lincoln. Dave served as a docent at the Elijah Iles House. He and Carol were active in the Polka Lovers Klub of America Illinois Chapter (P.O.L.K of A) Dance club for many years and served as the demo team leader.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elijah Iles House Foundation (ileshouse.org).

A private family service will be held at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Latham Stevens, please visit our floral store.