Smile

What makes Dan Stevens smile? “Watching a beautiful sunset from a balcony or quiet beach. I am happiest in life when surrounded by our children and grandchildren,” said the director of administration for Hamilton County Commissioners, who will retire at the end of March. He and his wife, Peg, were married in May 1977 and will celebrate 46 years in 2023. They have two children, R.D. Stevens and Keri Braun; and five grandchildren. Stevens, who was born on a Naval Base in Port Hueneme, Calif., moved to Indiana, where his dad called home, when he was 9 months old. His family moved to Westfield in 1958, and while he attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Brebeuf Jesuit College Prep School, he earned his diploma from Westfield High School, graduating in 1970. He took a job at the Sheriff’s Office and County Jail, then located on the Courthouse Square, on Jan. 25, 1974, working as a dispatcher and jailor. He went on to be elected Hamilton County Sheriff and served two terms, 1987-94. For the past 14 years, he’s served in his current position in the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center in downtown Noblesville, where he was found on Monday afternoon. In retirement, he plans to do some traveling, camping and summer drives with his neighbors in their convertibles. The community is invited to attend Stevens’ retirement party from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, in the Commissioners’ Courtroom in the Government & Judicial Center. Read more about Dan Stevens’ life and career in the Betsy Reason column in an upcoming edition of The Times.