Daniel (Dan / Danny) Stevenson, 56, of Plainfield, IN passed into eternal life on May 7th, 2025.

Daniel is survived by his son, Darryl Stevenson (Denise) of Noblesville, Indiana, daughter, Samantha Stevenson of Indianapolis, IN, father and mother, Mike and Mildred Stevenson of Stilesville, IN, sister, Diana Lawson of Clayton, Indiana, numerous grandchildren, Mackenzie, Levi, Mia, Katie and Carter, nephew, Steven Smith of Clayton, IN, niece, Ashley Jarvis of Stilesville, IN and his great nephews and niece, David, Michael and Brooklyn. He was greeted in Heaven by his son, Zach Stevenson, brother, David Stevenson, several aunts and uncles, and all of his previous dogs.

Dan was born to David (Mike) and Mildred Stevenson on September 20, 1968 in Greencastle, Indiana. He was raised in Stilesville, Indiana where he attended Cascade High School. He excelled in all sports, but in particular football and baseball. Dan enjoyed playing all sports, and could be found fishing, bailing hay and working summer jobs when not in school.

Despite opportunities to play college football, Dan chose to begin his military career in the Navy after graduation. He left for boot camp in Great Lakes, IL on March 5th, 1987, the same day his oldest son was born. (Dan would later joke every year on his son’s birthday about the day being a celebration of him leaving for boot camp rather than a birthday, all in jest.) After basic training he left for Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut. Dan was a full time service member for 8 years. Dan served on the naval base in Groton (Submarine Capital of the World), where he was assigned to the USS Tinosa (SSN-606) Submarine. Dan served on several deployments, two of which were Northern Runs to the Article Circle, and a Unitas deployment through South America. Many other trips were to the Caribbean and Puerto Rico. Several of these runs crossed the equator and the Artic Circle. To illustrate his humor, Dan would joke about his college career which constituted 6 credit hours at a local community college in Groton. In addition, he would joke about his deployments teaching him to learn other languages on the ports, such as, “Una cerveza, por favor.” Dan would always talk about the benefits instilled of going to the Navy, such as touring South America and other parts of the world. He would often say, “The military is a great opportunity to tour the world, and get paid to do it. I saw and visited beautiful places where we ported.” He revered his time in the Navy, especially the friendships he developed, and the discipline bestowed.

After the Navy, Dan came back home to Indiana to be closer to his family in 1995. Dan valued balance in his life. He earned a CDL and began his driving career once home. He traveled over the road for a bit, before settling in to local daily transport. Dan worked for Furrows, before spending the bulk of his post-military career as a dedicated employee with Ruan Transport (20+ years), before recently driving for P&S Logistics for the past year. Dan established lasting friendships in his career with coworkers, both in the Navy and from his driving career. All who knew him, understood his joking manner and the humor he could bring into a room or a conversation to lighten the mood. Dan was a loyal employee who valued hard work and reliability, which were entrenched through his upbringing and military years.

Dan dearly loved his family. Whether it was attending sports games, birthday parties, going fishing or out to breakfast, Dan enjoyed it all. He also was a dog lover, always having one or two at a time. His dogs were always with him when he wasn’t working, traveling in the vehicle with him, going fishing, or to visit with his parents (and their dogs). He will be missed by Cooter and Lexie, his current dogs he owned.

Darryl looked up to his father immensely. He would describe Dan as his biggest supporter. They loved going to sporting events together, discussing sports, politics, economics and family. He is grateful for his love for his family, and especially his daughter, Mackenzie.

Samantha was very fond of her father. She loved his humor, joking manner, quiet admiration and encouraging nature for his daughter and her children. They loved getting together and bringing the grandkids to visit, where he would make them all instantly laugh.

One of Dan’s greatest prides were his grandchildren, Mackenzie, Levi, Mia, Katie and Carter. He never missed a chance to visit them at a birthday party or event, where the grandkids would laugh endlessly at their Grandpa’s jokes and playful banter.

Dan had a great love for comedy movies, which intertwined with how he carried himself, communicated and viewed life. Whether it was Airplane, Tommy Boy, Step Brothers, Ace Ventura, Dumb and Dumber, Black Sheep or Ready to Rumble, he was constantly quoting lines from these movies incessantly for a laugh in context of conversations. Dan had a way to lighten the mood of every room, and connect with everyone.

Dan always loved getting together with his family, despite his joking gripes about the time of day the event is happening. He enjoyed the simplicities of a birthday party for his grandchildren or great nephews and niece at their house or his sister’s, going fishing with his dad, son or nephew, going to visit his parents, or going out to breakfast. He enjoyed it all with those he loved and cared about.

Dan was a beloved father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Dan would give you the shirt off his back if he knew you needed it, and were helping yourself. Dan was the life of every party, and brought laughter to every room. He valued not taking himself too seriously, and enjoying the simple things in life. With an ability to connect with everyone, Dan made all feel comfortable in his presence. Dan was a light in this world, always there for advice and a good laugh. Dan quietly served his life rooted in faith. He believed in humor, and could strike a conversation with anyone from all walks of life. We can all learn from Dan when it comes to his demeanor, kindness, joking and laughing with all, and loving our families. Those who knew Dan were better for it. Dan will be missed immensely by all who knew him, may he rest in peace. We love you.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tunnel of Towers Foundation (www.T2T.org). Dan did not want a showing or funeral, and we will respect his wishes. Instead, he wanted a Celebration of Life, which in his words, “Should be happy with people laughing, joking and telling stories.” The Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, May 31st at 2:30pm - 5:30pm at:

92 Richwood Court Clayton, IN 46118