Douglas Frank Stevenson

West Point, 1968

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Gordon Tillery on May 21, 2007:

Doug Stevenson - we roomed together, the 2 of us, for part of yearling year. We were happy a new freshman class provided relief after our plebe year experience in company F-1. We competed on the company intramural wrestling team, you always had a tough time making weight - too much muscle mass on your solid frame. We made-up our own game of "broom hockey" in the barracks - triggering scores of "hold the noise down, yearlings" criticsms. You scarcely had time to study, as every free moment you were either jumping out of perfectly good airplanes or packing chutes with the cadet skydiving club. I got to know only a little about you - you held most inside. You enjoyed a good laugh, and were always ready to lend a hand - no matter what. You were not ever the "center of attention." Instead you were humble, quiet, and got the job done. I learned that your dad used to chase you around the dining room table trying to administer family discipline. You were from Chicago, but I never learned much about your family. We were good friends, and I'll always treasure my time as your roommate. After graduation, as lieutenants we met again at Fort Sill - where I was assigned, and where the Signal Corps sent you for unit comm officer training. More laughs and good times. Many years go by, I looked for you, but do not see you at any class reunions. Then the stunning news - you are no longer here. I can't find any trace of your family. I want to share with them the goodness of Doug that I know. The Lord knows. Be thou at peace.

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