David Eugene Stephens, 93

David Eugene Stephens of Kennewick, Washington, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, at age 93.

He was born June 21, 1932, to Irvin and Gladys Stephens of Las Vegas.

David attended California Institute of Technology, later earning a master of divinity degree  from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1958. He worked at Jet Propulsion Laboratory Pasadena before moving to the Boston area in 1961, and to Acton in 1969, where he raised his family. He worked in various capacities in aerospace and engineering until retiring in 1994.

David continued to pursue his theological studies after retirement, earning a master of philosophy from Boston University and a doctor of philosophy from Boston College in November 1999.

David was a longstanding member of the Acton Minute Men. He was active in town issues and contributed to public discussions, attended Town Meetings, and wrote op-ed articles for the Acton Journal. He also hosted a local podcast, The Acton Forum.

He and his wife, Dianne, attended Grace Chapel in Lexington.

David enjoyed playing chess, firearms marksmanship, and reading history. He traveled widely while exploring his family history in the greater Southwest.

After 49 years of living in Acton, David and Dianne moved to Kennewick in 2018 to live closer to extended family.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Dianne Stephens, age 92, and his brother Ralph Stephens of Reno, Nevada.

David and Dianne have three sons Randall Stephens, Daniel Stephens, and Scott Stephens, and daughters-in-law Angelika Stephens and Margaret Stephens.

David also leaves behind a nephew Mark Stephens; nieces Cindy Stephens and Julie Harris, and their spouses Margie Stephens and Lelan Harris.

He is survived by seven grandchildren Sandra Bargeron, Elizabeth Varkiani, David McCleary, Riley Stephens, Hannah Orin, Andrew Stephens, and Abby Stephens; their spouses Lee Bargeron, Bobby Varkiani, Rachel McCleary, and Jasmine Stephens;and 10 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service and committal will be held Saturday, April 25, at 1 p.m. at Einan’s at Sunset Funeral Home, Sunset Gardens Cemetery, Richland, Washington.

For those who wish to participate but cannot attend in person, the service will be livestreamed on the funeral home’s website: sunsetgardenstricities.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s memory to Samaritan’s Purse, Judicial Watch, or a charity of your choice.