12/2/2010
Les, 76, was born Jan. 30, 1934, in Knoxville, to parents Frances Stevens and Aimee
(Stroud) Stevens/Amsberry.
He was the oldest of three children. His sister, Mary
Kay Saxe, lives in Charleston, S.C., and brother Ken Stevens preceded him in death.
Ken lived in Santa Clarita, Calif. Les passed away peacefully in his sleep after
coping with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Les grew up in Knoxville, attending school and
being very active in sports. He excelled in track and field. His family moved to
Lovilia, where he completed his last two years of high school. He was known as “Lovilia’s
One Man Track Team.” However, he kept fond memories of his life and friends in Knoxville.
Les attended the University of Iowa, where he was the leading scorer in track and
field for three years. His special events were the hurdles and the high jump.
After
college, his life was devoted to teaching and coaching young men and women in track
and field at all levels. This included high school, junior college, the University
of Iowa, and Central Missouri State University. He had much success with individual
and team championships. Watching young people succeed was what made his job rewarding.
Les is survived by his wife of 56 years, Katherine (Peach) Stevens, of Santa Maria,
Calif., daughter, Peggy Yarnell and family of Los Alamos, Calif., and son, Michael
Stevens and the family of Houston, Texas. There are four grandchildren; Jessica, Jordon,
Jacob and Sean.
He was always active and loved life, and family. A family
memorial is planned to celebrate his life.