Don Stevens

Sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a great Whitetail deer taxidermist and a great person. My condolences to his family.

 

Big Bad Don! I'm still in shock but I have to face the fact that he's gone. We were friends for a long time. I met Don in Gainesville, GA in 1992. We then later met again at a show around 1996 and just hit it off like two peas in a pod. Later Don had some heart problems and I called him and talked trash several times a week until he was back on his feet. We hardly ever talked about his health issues, we just talked about football and hunting and fun stuff. We gossiped about everybody and made fun of everything. We traded insults and were as rude as we could possibly be to each other and loved every minute of it. Don & I had become as close as brothers and no topic was left uncovered or off limits. WE pulled countless pranks on one another and were always up to shenanigans. Even so, beneath the sass and tough man exterior was a heart of pure gold. We saw each other multiple times at shows and worked on several projects together over the years. We were always welcome in each other's homes. We also talked about family and friends a lot. He was so proud of his wife and sons that he could barely contain himself. His loyalty and love were never questioned. Don was one of the tiny handful of people in my life that was always on my side. He was dependable and there for me in any situation imaginable. He occupied a large part in my life and I will always be thankful for his love and friendship. Godspeed my friend.

 

So sorry for your loss, Rick. I did not know you were such good friends. My heart breaks for Jessica. RIP Don.

 

Always sad to see an icon of the industry pass. Never meet Don in person but I would have like to. Wasn't he also a past president of the International Guild of Taxidermist? R.I.P.

 

That mount inspired me more than any other piece of taxidermy has.. He will surely be missed by many. Sending love to Jessica and family.

 

RIP Don , condolences to the family

 

RIP Don forever in our hearts

 

I was never lucky enough to meet Don Stevens. It sure sounds like he was a great fella.. His whitetail pictured above is my all-time favorite piece of whitetail taxidermy that I have ever seen.. It set the bar for me.. Incredible work.

 

RIP Don! Our condolences and prayers for Jessica and family!

Tom & Gail McNeal

 

So sad to hear this. Condolences to his family. RIP Don.

 

This is truly heartbreaking. He and Jessica judged our Illinois show a couple years ago- he was truly an icon to our industry. I love this piece!! Praying for my sweet friend Jessica.

 

For those who never met him, you'd never meet a more gentle man. With my first meeting it was as if we'd always known each other. He will be missed by all who knew him and his expertise will be missed within the industry.