Robert Lee Stevens

"Bobby Stevens"

Robert Lee Stevens was born on September 6, 1939, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was one of 14 children born to Jewett Stevens Sr. and Ida Mae Stevens. He was introduced to Christ Jesus at an early age. He graduated from Central Wayne High School in 1957, where he also played varsity basketball. Immediately after graduation, Bobby attended Indiana University and earned a Bachelor's degree. He then enlisted in the United States Army. Robert also attended Mission College in San Fernando, California, where he coached the girls' basketball team for over 10 years. Later, Robert Lee resided in Avenal, California, where he wrote a book in 2012 titled "Death of America".

In the mid -1960's, Robert Stevens moved his family to east Palo Alto, California. Over the years, he lived in several places, including the Los Angeles County area, until November 2024, when he relocated to Lancaster, California, due to health complications to be closer to his family. Although Robert Had no children, he was cherished by many nieces and nephews.

He was affectionately known as Uncle Bobby by his nieces and nephews. In the entertainment industry, he was recognized as Bobby Stevens, a successful writer  and musician, and one of the founding members and lead singers of the renowned group The Checkmates, Ltd. Bobby was the driving force behind The Checkmates,  he wrote the title song for the group's first charted album of the same name, "Love is All I have to Give". He also wrote the hit song for the group's motion picture "The Black Connection" and served as executive producer on the soundtrack album. The group broke up in 1970 but reunited in 1974 for a few years.

On the early morning of December 7, 2024, God peacefully transitioned Robert Lee Stevens into his presense

He leaves to tressure his life and legacy a host of nieces and nephews, a total of four generations, and a host of cousins, great nieces, great nephews, and friends

I am free
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following paths God made for me
I took his hand I heard him call
Then turned, and bid farewell to all
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to sing, to play
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found my peace... at close of play
And if my parting left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened... deep with sorrow
I wish you sunshine of tomorrow
My life's been full I've savoured much
Good friends, good times
A loved one's touch
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with grief
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
God wants me now... He set me free.
Anonymous

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