Daryl M. Stevens

Daryl Mark Stevens was born August 23, 1958, in Seward, Nebraska to David Merrill and Alice Angeline (Urbanovsky) Stevens. Dave was a long-distance truck driver, but decided to stay home after Daryl was born. The family then moved to the Urbanovsky farm on Haskell Creek Road N of Ord, NE. Daryl was soon joined by sisters, Karen, JoAnn and brother, Byron. Daryl grew up on that farm until graduating from Ord High School with the Class of 1976. He has many stories about the dairy and farm. He was still very close with many of his classmates and friends from Ord until his passing.

Knowing Daryl was to know that FAITH and FAMILY, Lisa, his children and grandchildren were his entire essence. He was a true loyal friend, a very hard worker, would help anyone, but he lived for his faith and his family.

After graduation Daryl worked for Ord Equipment, where he first learned his trade as a diesel mechanic. He then moved to Lincoln and worked for Cornhusker International Trucks for just over 30 years. He held many roles including heavy duty diesel mechanic, shop supervisor, moved to North Platte to manage that location and then came back to manage the Beatrice location, before moving into truck sales. In March 2010 he left Cornhusker International and went to work at Burlington Northern Santé Fe Railroad “BNSF” as a machinist (train mechanic). On November 18, 2021, Daryl was “retired” early on total disability.

After moving to Lincoln, Daryl was living in the Bethany area with two friends. One day his roommate came home and said, “you guys really need to see the hot new waitress at the Bethany café!” So that Saturday, October 3, after duck hunting, they all stopped in for breakfast. God spoke to Lisa’s heart as she waited on their table and SHE KNEW in that moment she had just met the man she would marry. True story and Lisa only learned that first part of in the past few years!

The following spring, Daryl bought the Stevens’ place on Pioneers Road just east of Beaver Crossing from his grandma Esther Stevens. It is where Daryl’s dad and uncles were raised. Daryl and Lisa received the AKSARBAN PIONEER FARM FAMILY AWARD for 100 YEARS of CONTINOUS FAMILY OWNERSHIP in 2025. Daryl became the owner for over 44 years. Daryl’s grandparents Jason and Esther Stevens raised their 4 sons on the property. While there, Esther’s parents, Riley and Lena Carothers and Lena’s mother, Lena Hale, all lived with them at some point, making Daryl and Lisa the 5th generation and their children the 6th generation. They are very proud of this rare family heritage.

Daryl married Lisa Cooley June 16th, 1984, at Capital City Christian Church in Lincoln. They have one son Michael and in September of 1992, they added 3 daughters when they adopted siblings Erin, Jesi and Kelsey. Daryl loved his family unconditionally. Friends always talk about Daryl and Lisa’s love being that true once in a lifetime love story. From the day they started dating, he has always sung to Lisa, especially my “Brown Eyed Girl”. Later with his guitar. Lisa was so in love with Daryl’s loving blue eyes from the moment they met.

Daryl and Lisa enjoyed traveling, scuba diving and taking long trips on the Harley Davidson. While at home on their piece of paradise, they enjoyed watching incredible sunrises and sunsets, deer, pheasant, quail and listening to the birds. Daryl had an app on his phone that he took pictures of birds and tried to get as many different species as he could. Daryl loved taking nature pictures. They were also known for their gardens, especially tomatoes – something that is a Stevens family tradition, as his Grandpa Jason raised and sold so many tomatoes with the help of his four sons on that property.

Daryl has been very active in the church, serving as a youth leader, taking several groups to church camps and retreats. Daryl’s all-time favorite was when he and Lisa took a group of senior high boys, including Michael, packing canoes down the Calamus River for a week near Burwell. Daryl truly enjoyed serving as a worship leader, trustee and Elder in several churches. Daryl was a Hunter Education instructor through Nebraska Game and Parks in several disciplines. Daryl and Lisa also enjoyed serving as Mentors for Pheasant Forever Youth Hunts for many years. Pheasants Forever recognized Daryl and Lisa as Seward County Habitat Cooperator of the Year. Daryl is a Charter Member of Holmes Post 178 Sons of the American Legion in Beaver Crossing. He served in many roles including Adjutant, Vice-Commander and Commander. He was very proud to serve our Veterans and community in any way he could including Veteran Funerals and Memorial Day Services. He was also a member of Post 3 American Legion Riders, honoring fallen veterans through escorts and funerals.

Daryl is survived by his wife, Lisa of Beaver Crossing; son, Michael (Morgan) and children: Gage and Skyler, Lincoln; daughters, Erin Robinson, Chase, Aviana, and Piper, Utica; Jessica “Jesi” (David) Martin, Isaiah, Evan and Dylan, Loveland, CO; and Kelsey (Adan) Aranda, Leigha, Caleigh, Khloe, Nolan, Vaeda and Madalyn, Elkhart, IN; mother, Alice Stevens, Lincoln; siblings, Karen (Jeff) Kidder, JoAnn Kubik, Lincoln and Byron (Shelly) Stevens, Oakdale, CA; mothers-in-law, Mary Cooley, Lincoln and Linda Cooley, Des Moines, IA; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ronda (James) Davis, Independence, IA, Craig Cooley, Lincoln, Mark Cooley, Ottawa, KS, Gina (Mike) Duncan, Jennifer (Jim) Hibbert, Perry, IA; uncle, Dan (Pam) Stevens Madison, WI; aunt, Agnes Janda, Seward; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and loved ones.

Daryl was proceeded in death by his father, David Stevens; grandparents, Jason and Esther (Carothers) Stevens and Josef and Stepanka Urbanovsky; granddaughter, Adalyn “Ady” Stevens; uncles, Duane (Ruby) Stevens, Don (Marlene “Kay”) Stevens, William (Bill) Janda; nephew, Riley Kubik; father-in-law, Ronald Cooley.

Daryl was diagnosed with thyroid cancer on February 18, 2008. It was never “gone”, just controlled. It came roaring back in his brain in July, 2019, an extremely rare occurrence. During the past 6 years, 7 months and 6 days (2,413 days), Daryl has faced so much with his affectionate smile, humility, FAITH and LIVING EVERY SINGLE SECOND that GOD has blessed us together without ever once complaining. Daryl passed away at home peacefully after being surrounded by his family for the last several days.

GOD is GOOD every second of EVERY DAY!!

We absolutely can never THANK the Drs, nurses and staff at Cancer Partners of Nebraska for being beside us every step these past 18 years. Especially Dr. Wallace ‘Cary’ Peterson, Lisa Hernandez, RN, both have been by our side from day one, Jeanette, Dr. Peterson’s RN, Dr Mark Stavas, with his entire team since 2019 and the entire support throughout the center. Dr. Steven Gogela, Neuro & Spinal Surgery. Dr Stavas and Dr Gogela have been absolutely amazing caring for Daryl’s brain. Amanda Bauer, APRN for the wonderful care through Daryl’s Palliative and Hospice journey. Last but certainly not least, HoriSun Hospice for the love and support these past months and for the support I will continue to receive moving forward.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS: Memorial contributions may be made to the Stevens family for future designations.

The family requests that everyone wears casual attire.