Donnie “Joe” Stevens Sr., 72, of Yakima, passed away August 31, 2018 at home surrounded by loving family. Joe fought a brave battle against cancer. He was born January 4, 1946 in Yakima, WA to Elba and Frona Stevens. Joe grew up in the Yakima area where he met Mary Rose Clark and they married in May of 1964. In the coming years, they had three children: Donnie Joe Jr, Mary Jean and Billy Lynn.
Joe worked hard throughout his life to support his family by working at Yakima Cement and at Hansen Fruit, where he retired. Later in life, Joe met Audie Nash and they settled in Union Gap, WA.
Joe was a family man. He loved to do many things with his family like camping, motorcycle riding, get-togethers and being with his grandchildren.
Joe was a racing fanatic. He loved to race (Go HBR), build racecars, watch NASCAR and give his trophies to all the kids just to see them smile. Joe loved the racing community and they loved him.
Joe was a three-time Bump To Pass Champion at the Yakima Speedway 2011, 2013 and 2014. Joe’s last race was July 4th, 2018.
He had the kindest heart and always lent a helping hand. Joe didn’t know a stranger. Everyone was a friend. Joe was the greatest son, brother, Dad, Papa, Grandpa, uncle, and friend.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Rose and his siblings Dean, Jesse, Margie, Jim and Bob.
Joe is survived by Audie (his soulmate), his children Donnie Joe Jr. (Melisa), Mary Jean (Kent) and Billy Lynn (Alicia) and Jamie; grandchildren Tyler, Colby (Angelica) Donnie Joe III, Eric, Joaquin and Najji; plus his fur babies Candy and Midgie. His siblings Hershal, Carl and Virgil, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Joe will be sorely missed by all including the racing community.
A Celebration of Life will be at Fullbright Park, 4508 Main St. in Union Gap, on Sunday, September 16, 2018 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm.
The family would like to thank everyone who made this summer the best for Joe.
Joe Stevens went to race in a better place. “Who put my Weenies on Medium?!”