Donald A. Stevenson

Donald A. Stevenson, age 80, of Kissimmee, Florida, formerly of Columbiana, left this life to journey with his Master Shepherd, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 in the peace of his home. He was founding senior pastor of the Abundant Life Fellowship in New Waterford, Ohio, he poured more than 25 years into congregants and the community and left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Known as Pastor Don to many, he had a storied career before ministry. He was a graduate of Massillon High School, class of 1955. Donald was a Navy Veteran, honorably discharged, employed with the Ohio State Highway Patrol in dispatch, employed as a U.S. diplomat and Foreign Service Officer in the U.S. State Department working in telecommunications in embassies, installation bases, and consulates in Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Homestead, Florida; Athens, Greece and Karachi, Pakistan. He received a commendation for his sterling work during the war between India and Pakistan in 1971. He left the Foreign Service to bring his family home and was employed by the U.S. Post Office. After becoming a born-again, spirit-filled believer, Don taught Sunday school, became a church trustee of a church plant (New Life Ministries), and answered the call of a pastor, pioneering the Abundant Life Fellowship. Don nurtured the church which launched in 1983, along with his wife, Pauline. The church has grown incrementally and now continues on under the leadership of Pastor Jeff Schoch. Donald was a member National Letter Carriers Association, Massillon High School Alumni, and ordained at the Ministerial Association for Bethesda Christian Church and earned a Bachelor's of Theology Studies, with a minor in counseling through Vision International University.

Don leaves behind his wife Pauline of 60 years, whom he married December 29, 1956, his son Mark (Diane) Stevenson of Canton, daughter Kimberly (Martin) Harris of Kissimmee, FL, eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren, brothers Loren F. (Ferne) Jr. of Massillon, Robert E. (Sandra) of Eatonton, GA., sister Sandra K. (Gary) Sturm of Canton and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Loren F. Stevenson, mother, Olive A. Stevenson, brother William P. Stevenson and sister Patricia Lue Ella Stevenson.

Friends may call Saturday, July 8, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 9, 2017 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the Abundant Life Fellowship, New Waterford.

Celebration of Life services will take place on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. at the church with Pastor Jeff Schoch officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial Donations in honor of Donald may be made to the Abundant Life Fellowship, New Waterford or Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care, Kissimmee, FL.

Arrangements were handled by the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.