Kevin J. Stevens passed away April 5, 2026 in Tacoma, Washington after a short but fierce and courageous fight against cancer. Born January 29, 1983, Kevin was raised in Eastlake, Ohio and was a 2001 graduate of North High School. After high school he joined the Air Force where he served two and a half years on active duty, followed by five and half years as an Air National Guardsman. He went on to obtain his Bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University, then his Master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. As a dedicated veteran, Kevin spent his tenure in higher education developing veteran and LGBTQ programs.
Kevin spent his life experiencing different parts of the world, moving wherever his heart lead him, embracing different cultures. He spent time as a police officer, student advocate, park ranger, and even completed missionary work in Africa while in the Peace Corps. Kevin loved playing softball in an LGBTQ league. He was an avid mountain climber, skier, runner, hockey player, aviator, and adventurer. Kevin was passionate about soccer and supported his local teams as a season ticketholder. His love and support for the Bowling Green hockey team is unmatched and will live on in his memory. Of all the places Kevin lived and traveled, he was most recently drawn back to Washington where he spent the last eight months as a part of the Tacoma Police Department.
He is now eternally at rest, reunited with his parents, Jeff and Joyce (Ellin) Stevens, Lucky Dog, Jager Dog, his grandparents, aunts, and uncles that have all passed before him, whom he dearly missed. He is survived by his beloved dogs, Bruno and Zane, countless friends, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to Celebrate Kevin’s life Friday, May 8th, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at The Abbey of Willoughby, 38011 Euclid Ave., Willoughby (located on the grounds of McMahon Coyne Vitantonio Funeral Home). A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 9th, 2026 at 10:00 AM at The Abbey. Burial to follow at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Twp.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Reader interactions
8 Replies to “Kevin J. Stevens”
Kevin,
I have not been in your life for as long as all of your special people, but I could not have thought of a better person to have experienced some of the most important moments of my life with. Our engagement, our wedding, and the other times we have been able to visit each other.
Your spirit shines through in everything you did with the people you love. Your warmth and kindness has never gone unnoticed in our house. You also thought of our kids during special moments, and that has always touched our hearts. I just always call you uncle Kevin to our kids!
Even though our time together has been short, I have always felt at home with you and like we have been friends forever. That is why you have always been special in my heart and it was never awkward when we slept on your floor in Queens after our engagement. Or during our wedding you just gave me a sense of home.
I am so sorry for what you went through, and there is not a day that goes by that you are not on my mind. I say a prayer for strength for you every day.
You have made a big impact on us, and I will forever be grateful.
With lots of love, strength, and peace, Love you, dear friend. ❤️🙏🏻🫶. God speed.
I did not get to meet Kevin .. I knew of him through my daughter Sgt Angela Hayes who worked with Kevin these past months (Tacoma Police Department) She would tell me how he was doing from time to time. I made a quilt for Kevin … I hope it gave him some small comfort. Bless you Kevin… my condolences to His Family 🙏
I’m so devastated to hear this. Kevin was a friend. He recruited my husband and I to speak at various colleges throughout the US. He moved here to Columbus Ohio to care for his dad. We were able to see him more. He helped coordinate color guard for Columbus pride and played on our softball league. We are so sad to hear this. He was a good guy.
Kevin was witty, sarcastic, an advocate, a gentle giant, thoughtful, and a lover of nature and his dogs. We often went to theatre plays, saw the Crew soccer games, grabbed a bite to eat, and ran into random adventures – I opted out of the extreme hiking and would often joke with him about it. I love and will miss you. You left your mark in Columbus, OH. Our talks, your spirit, and time spent will always be with me even though you’re not. Rest easy sweet friend.
I am saddened by this. Kevin and I traveled to Kenya together and stayed at an orphanage there. He is a kind hearted. I am very sad to hear of his passing
I met Kevin when he joined the Tacoma Police Department and had the opportunity to hear him give a presentation during his training. He was a bit nervous at first, but he pushed through with determination. When he finished, he smiled with genuine pride in what he had accomplished.
TPD was grateful that he chose to serve with our department, and those of us who met him will remember his spirit.
I extend my deepest condolences to the Stevens family and all who knew and loved him.
Rest in peace Kev! The world is a worse place without you. I will always cherish our memories from BGSU. You will always be be remembered as a great person and even better friend. love ya bud -> Myles.
Hi Everyone.
I went to Kenya with Kevin in 2007. He had a sweet charismatic spirit and loved hanging out with him and the crew. ❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
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