Duane M. Stephens

Duane M. Stephens, 80, passed away on February 10, 2015, at Tacoma General Hospital after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage at his home on February 4, 2015. He was born on July 21, 1934, in Sedro Woolley, Washington, to George Wilson and Ila Erickson. He spent many years living in Aberdeen, Washington, where he graduated in 1953 from Weatherwax High School. Duane was employed by Lamb Grays Harbor. He later moved to Olympia, Washington, where he became a business owner of Capital Industrial, Inc. He sold the business in 2004 to retire. However, being the hard worker that he was, he never truly retired. After selling the business, he spent his days managing and working on his real estate projects and spending time with his family. He was a long time member of both the Eagles and Elks. Two things that brought him great joy over the years are spending time at Summit Lake, which he referred to as his “happy place,” and his love for racing. He is preceded in death by his father, George Wilson; his mother, Ila Erickson; his sister, Donna Ventosa; and step-son, Darrel Hawkins. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Irene Manuel Stephens, whom he married on March 31, 1962. Also surviving are his daughter, Delynn Stephens and Mark Neufeld; his son and daughter-in-law, Dirk and Donna Stephens; two grandchildren, Parker and Peyton Stephens; stepson, Jerry Hawkins, all from Olympia; and a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Cho Stephens from Port Angeles, Washington; a nephew and his wife, Kevin and Erica Stephens, and their two children, Andrew and Katherine from Issaquah, Washington. The most important thing to Duane was taking care of his family and mentoring and helping friends that he would meet along the way, impacting their lives far beyond what he could ever imagine. He was a man of great integrity, strong work ethics, and a loving and kind soul. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County, 905 24th Way SW, Suite A-2, Olympia, WA 98502. Please leave memories of Duane or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.