Leroy Stevens 11/4/1927 - 8/1/2024

Life time Lincoln Resident, Leroy Stevens passed away peacefully on August 1, 2024, he was 96 years old. Leroy was born to James and Clara Stevens on November 4, 1927 in Lincoln, CA. He was the third of four children and grew up on the family ranch on McCourtney Road in Lincoln. Leroy graduated from Lincoln High School in 1945. He had a spectacular baseball record at Lincoln High School as a pitcher for the Zebras' baseball team. It was that role that led him to sign a contract with the Sacramento Solons, the Central Valley professional team of the era and part of the Pacific Coast League. In 1950, after four years as a professional player and a year in the Army, Leroy returned to Lincoln. He played baseball for the Lincoln Potters and helped bring home six league championships. He was employed by Gladding McBean and Co until his retirement in 1992. On August 23, 1958 Leroy married Norma Gallino of Grass Valley. They resided on First Street in Lincoln and raised their family. They spent many hours together supporting community service organizations in Lincoln. Spending time at sporting events and County Fairs with their grandchildren was a priority for both of them. They were 6 months shy of 50 years of marriage when Norma passed in February of 2008. In 1960 Leroy was instrumental in organizing the Lincoln Little League. He was active in the league with his two sons. He was also an active member of the Lincoln Lions Club for over 30 years. He and his family raised cattle on a portion of the original Steven's Ranch on McCourtney Road. Leroy was honored with "Hall of Fame" recognition by the LaSalle Club Baseball Hall of Fame and the Northern California Old Timers Association Hall of Fame. A bronze statue of Leroy was created by the current Potter team which was given out as souvenirs in 2021. He was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed fishing trips with his family. Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Helen, Jim and Ruth; and wife Norma. Leroy is survived by his daughter Denise Stevens of Auburn, son and daughter in law Mark and Marsha Stevens of Lincoln, and son and daughter in law Butch and Linda Stevens of Juneau, Wisconsin; grandchildren Mark Heer, Kristan McNalley, Melody Lake, Lynell Stevens, Jared Stevens, Elizabeth Day, Olivia Budiac, and Emily Teitz as well as 14 great grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 10:00 am at the Manzanita Cemetery, Lincoln. Immediately following the graveside service there will be a Celebration of Life at the Mt Pleasant Hall, 3333 Mt Pleasant Road, Lincoln, CA. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Friends of McBean Park info@friendsofmcbean.org, 1478 Stonepoint Drive, Suite 100, Roseville, CA 95661 or Freedom Hospice 519 D Street, Marysville, CA 95901.