Anchors Aweigh, Spud
Robert W. “Spud” Stevens died peacefully on Oct. 11, 2015, surrounded by family.
Spud was born April 18, 1925, in Walla Walla at St. Mary’s Hospital to Erva I. and Robert S. Stevens. He grew up as an only child but made many friends throughout his 90 years in Walla Walla. Spud was known as a very warm, caring and funny fellow who shared his humor with others. Spud attended Sharpstein School and graduated from Walla Walla High School, where he played drums in the band and was a member of the Yell Squad. Spud enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 18 and served as a signalman aboard the USS Grayson, a destroyer that saw intense action while in the South Pacific Theater during World War II. Before his discharge, Spud earned seven Battle Stars; the ship had 13 total. Spud also received recognition for saving his captain’s life during battle.
After the Navy, Spud attended Whitman College, where his reputation as a talented drummer and activities with the Yell Squad continued. Spud was also an active member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He graduated from Whitman in 1950 and married E. Joan Miller, a 1952 Whitman graduate, on Oct. 11, 1952.
Spud enjoyed working as a local businessman and as the owner of Garden City Carpet Center. His love of people and sense of humor made him a successful merchant and friend. Over the years, he was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Exchange Club, Jaycees and the Walla Walla Country Club.
Spud was also a longtime member of the Elks Lodge and a lifetime member of the American Legion. Spud played drums professionally for over 40 years and was an original member of the Walla Walla Community Band. He also enjoyed playing for local community organizations including drama productions by the Little Theatre of Walla Walla and the Walla Walla Community College theater.
Spud is survived by his wife, Joan; and three children, Gina Draggoo, Leslie and spouse Bob Phillips, Todd and spouse Tamara Stevens. His grandchildren include Hunter Benedict, Robert and spouse Kaitlan Benedict, David and spouse Kelly Draggoo, Jenna and spouse David Castellanos, Colin Stevens and Bryn Stevens. Spud has three great-grandchildren, Sebastian and Bella Castellanos and Reid Benedict.
The family would like to thank the Washington Odd Fellows Home for its kind and loving care of Spud. The staff quickly grew to know and enjoy Spud’s fun-loving humor.
A funeral service is planned for Monday, Oct. 26, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 323 Catherine St. The family requests memorial gifts may be made in memory of Robert W. “Spud” Stevens to the Whitman College Music Department or to the Phi Delta Theta Special Gift Fund through the Office of Annual Giving at Whitman College, 345 Boyer Ave., Walla Walla, WA 99362.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
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