Burton Douglas Stephens, Jr.

Burton Douglas “Doug” Stephens, 76, passed peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, October 19, 2024. 

During his life, Doug maintained all of the trappings of an explorer, keeping an open mind to the adventures and setbacks life presented him with and finding joy in his charitable work. Doug was an avid sailor and skier. He participated in the Chicago Yacht Club’s Race to Mackinac and, to the chagrin of his family, nearly found himself marooned on Lake Michigan on more than one occasion due to his love for sailing in even the most inclement of weather. Doug skied as he lived, fast and with great passion. 

Doug’s active life was secondary to his charitable work. Doug’s volunteerism started at a young age. As a young adult, Doug served on a mission to rural Mexico where he was a part of a team of volunteers who built a school for youth, and subsequently served as a youth counselor at the Jewish Children’s Bureau in Chicago, Illinois. Later in life, Doug found great fulfillment as a parishioner at Two Rivers United Methodist Church in Rock Island, Illinois where he served for many years as its meal site “minister” and was an active member of its choir. 

Doug took seriously his obligation to engage in a life of learning; about history, about his faith, and about himself. Doug was a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which he credited for instilling in him the ability to probe more deeply into some of life’s greatest questions. Doug later graduated from Loyola University School of Law-Chicago and maintained an active law practice which included arguing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit on several occasions. 

Doug is survived by his his wife Tracy and her daughter Shayla, his daughter, Elizabeth (Linda Stephens Davis, former spouse and mother to Elizabeth), his brother, Frank, his sister, Laura, four nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, and an extensive church family. Doug’s intellect, faith, and friendship will be deeply missed. 

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Two Rivers United Methodist Church, 1820 5th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois, 61201.

Those who knew Doug or who wish to honor his memory may do so by donating to Two Rivers United Methodist Church, 1820 5th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois, 61201. Online donations may be made at https://tworiversumc.org/donate/.