Mr. Donald Lloyd Stegner

March 1, 1933 - October 7, 2018

Donald L. Stegner was born March 1, 1933 to Lloyd E Stegner, an executive in the paint & coatings industry, and Mildred G. Stegner, a housewife. He attended Baltimore City Public Schools; St. Paul’s School for Boys, and graduated from the ‘A’ course at the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1951. He matriculated at Duke University where he lettered in Varsity Lacrosse, as a goalie; completed the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program; and earned his degree in Electrical Engineering. In June 1955, Don graduated from Duke; was commissioned as an Ensign in the Naval Reserve; and married his long time sweetheart, Edith M. Beck. They honeymooned in Niagara Falls before Don started his required active duty commitment with the Navy. He was assigned to the USS Thuban, an auxiliary ship in the Atlantic amphibious fleet, home ported in Norfolk, VA. The ship spent 3 months in the Arctic, resupplying the DEW line, an early warning station, and 6 months in the Mediterranean. Don also conducted routine training missions in the Atlantic basin as part of his 2-year commitment. Don started working for the Eastern Electric Company, in Baltimore, in 1957. He and Edee started their family around the same time – Suzanne in 1958 and Sandy in 1960. They lived in Rogers Forge when the girls were born but moved to Piccadilly Road in 1963, where they lived for 20 years. Don became the President of Eastern Electric in 1962, replacing John A Beck, who had health issues. This was a challenging time in the industry because of a strike of electrical workers and general unrest in the country. He closed Eastern Electric in 1992. He then worked as a consultant for Hudson International and later for the Potomac American Group, applying his expertise to electrical issues on insurance claims. Don served in leadership positions in the local chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA); the Construction Executive Association of Baltimore; and the inaugural Statewide Master Electrical Licensing Board of Maryland. He was also a member of the JAYCEES and an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Towson, serving on the Vestry for 8 years. Don and Edee joined the Church of the Holy Comforter in Lutherville and he was treasurer of the committee to raise funds for enlarging the parish house. He continued his career in the Naval Reserves, achieving the rank of Captain in 1976, and retiring in 1993, as the Training Officer for the Naval Control of Shipping/Military Sealift Command/Maritime Administration Unit. He served in units within Maryland & the District of Columbia, with assignments in Scotland; Puerto Rico; London; Tampa; and San Diego. Edee would join him at the end of his tour in these locations for a special vacation – this began their love of travel which continued for many, many years. Don and Edee had a weekend home near Martinsburg, WV, for 30 years. He was the President of their community association for about 15 years. In 2008, they moved to Edenwald where he continued his service to the community by volunteering in the Wood Shop; Nifty-Thrifty; Country Store; and Computer Room. He also served as Treasurer of the Resident’s Association; worked on the By-laws and covenants; as well as organized parties on the 12th floor. His family and friends will remember him as Santa – dressing up each year for his children; their special friends and his grandchildren; and his friends’ children and grand children. Don also loved to organize tours for his friends and family – this started in the 70s when many of the friends’ daughters attended Camp Alleghany in WV. Donald Lloyd Stegner was the beloved husband of the late Edith Beck Stegner; dear father of Suzanne Stegner Milchling (Stephen) and Sandra Stegner; dear grandfather of Patrick D., Robert S. and Anne Morgan Milchling; devoted brother of Douglass M. Stegner. Interment at a later date in a columbarium at Arlington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to Church of the Holy Comforter or charity of your choice.