[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 10, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING DONALD F. ``DON'' STEVENS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARRY LOUDERMILK

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 10, 2021

  Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Donald F. 
``Don'' Stevens, a friend, a Patriot, and a pillar of his community, 
who went to be with the Lord on January 27, 2021.
  In the history of every community, there are leaders whose work 
shapes that community for generations to come. Don was one such leader. 
He has been called ``the right man for the time'' as Cherokee County 
transitioned from a rural community in the foothills of North Georgia 
to a metropolitan center. Don believed in the simple values of hard 
work, enthusiasm, and positivity--attributes he would come to exemplify 
in the Cherokee County community.
  A retired Delta Airlines pilot, Don carried his love for aviation 
into a second career as the Chairman of the Cherokee County Airport 
Authority, where he fought to lengthen the municipal runway so it could 
accommodate more air traffic and larger jets. He believed the airport 
would be the gateway to bringing business into Cherokee County, and he 
was right. He loved planes, and he and his son maintained and flew a 
beautiful vintage Cessna 195, and often soared through the blue North 
Georgia skies.
  Don also loved classic cars. He could often be found at a weekend car 
show or in a parade. He was well known for his jokes, as he did his 
best to bring a laugh or a smile wherever he went.
  Don was a generous man who loved people and believed in second 
chances. He was an outspoken advocate for criminal justice reform; and, 
he worked to establish Cherokee County's DUI Court, which today helps 
many win their battles with substance abuse and regain control of their 
lives. Years ago, Don and his wife, Lila, began Cherokee Thanksgiving, 
serving holiday meals to those in need throughout the community. He 
also served on the board of the Cherokee Bank, was a volunteer 
firefighter, and has been recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as a 
``First Citizen'' of Cherokee County.
  Don is survived by his wife, Lila, son Keith, two daughters, Janet 
and Kelly, and six grandchildren, who will long remember his passion 
for people and the community, and will carry on his wonderful legacy. 
On behalf of Georgia's 11th Congressional District and the United 
States House of Representatives, I commend and thank Donald F. Stevens 
for his life lived in humble service to the community.

                          ____________________