"Darlene, I just heard about Walt from my cousin Vicki Knapheide Wood. I know that Walt was a favorite of my cousins Knap and Art Keller. I remember your warm hospitality on my visits to Quincy. My sincerest condolences to you and your family."
In loving memory of
Dr. Walter III
November 29, 2018
Dr. Walter Davis "Walt" Stevenson III, age 78, of Naples, Florida and Quincy, Illinois, died on Thursday, November 29, 2018, at 6:47 am in his home in Naples.
Walt was born March 3, 1940 in Rochester, Minnesota, the son of Walter Davis and Katharine Gardner Stevenson, Jr. He married the love of his life, Darlene Gates, on December 23, 1965. She survives.
Walt attended Quincy High School for a year and then attended and graduated from Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest, Illinois. He graduated from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts and Washington University Medical School in St. Louis, Missouri, where he also served his internship. Walt completed his residency at the Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Walt served for two years in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was stationed stateside as a physician at the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station. Walt and Darlene returned to Quincy after his discharge from the Navy and he joined the P&S Clinic, on July 15, 1974, as an ophthalmologist. Walt retired in December of 1999 from the Quincy Medical Group. He served on the Board of Directors for the P&S Clinic and was a board member and past president of Quincy Medical Group (1987-1997).
Walt had a passion for golf and was an accomplished golfer from a young age, spending many hours at his favorite course at the Quincy Country Club. At the age of 14, Walt won the Chicago District Golf Association's Junior Event. He was also the Club Champion at the Quincy Country Club in 1959 and 1986.
Walt received the Boy Scout of America Mississippi Valley Council's 12th Annual Distinguished Citizen Award, in 2000, for exemplifying Scouting's high ideals in leadership, service and ethical standards. One example of Walt's dedication to the community over the years was his involvement as a board member of the Quincy Area Project.
He was a member of First Union Congregational Church in Quincy, the Quincy Country Club, The Covenant Presbyterian Church in Naples, the Naples Yacht Club and the Club at Pelican Bay. Walt was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Walt was empathetic towards animals and he and Darlene always had dogs and supported organizations that would help save animals and provide for their medical care.
Survivors include wife of 52 years, Darlene, and thier two children, Scott Stevenson of Tampa, FL, and Laura Stevenson of Texas; his sister-in-law, Carolyn Stevenson of Quincy; three nieces and nephews, John Gardner (Dale) Stevenson, Jr. of Quincy, Jennifer Gardner Stevenson of Denver, CO, and Wes (Shannon) Gates of Jacksonville, FL; six great-nieces and great-nephews, John Gardner "Jack" Stevenson, III, Alec Nielsen Stevenson, Gunnar Stevenson Croke, Katharine Gardner Croke, Megan Gates, and Shaun Gates; his two dogs, Trifle and Norma Jean; and his cat Q Tip.
Walt was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Ralph Stevenson and John Gardner Stevenson, Sr.
Services: 10:00 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at First Union Congregational Church with Rev. Josh Vahle and Rev. Bruce Rice officiating.
Burial: Quincy Memorial Park, Quincy, Illinois
Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home
Memorials: First Union Congregational Church, Quincy Humane Society or Noah's Ark Animal Foundation
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Just watched the video-such precious, fun memories of a wonderful man. Heartfelt sympathy to Darlene and family."
"So sorry for your loss. Would like to be alerted for Memorial service in Naples, FL Thank you."
"I am so sorry for your loss.Walter was a wonderful man. I knew him quite well as he was with my brother Frank.I knew he will be missed. Sincerely, Ann Siepker"
"Walt and Darlene are amazing people.. Never talked anyone who knew them that did not have kind words about them.. He will be missed.."
"As a member of our wonderful Class of 58 he will be missed Each member is very special. We will miss him every time we get together. Gods Blessings to his family"
"You are in our thoughts and prayers!!"
"I am so sorry for your loss. i am at a loss for words that may help you heal, but know that I thought the world of Walter"
"Dr. Stevenson was mine and my Mom's eye doctor for many years. We started with his Dad, Dr. Walter Stevenson II and then we continue our care with him. He was compassionate and kind man, provided us with excellent care."
"Darlene, Scott, and Laura, Walt and I were classmates and were voted most courteous in junior high. He remained so."
"Darlene, Another of Walt's classmates at Quincy High; I want you to know I am thinking of you. Jill (Musselman) Crooker"
"Dear Darlene, As members of the QHS Class of 1958 we mourn Walt's death. We think he was a remarkable man. Cherish the memories. As ever, Pat & Dick Wentura"
"I'm so sorry for your loss. Walter was a wonderful man and loved by many. He will really be missed."