Donnan Stephenson

William Donnan Stephenson (November 21, 1919 – January 10, 2000) was a justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court from January 1, 1971 until his retirement on June 30, 1976.

Biography Stephenson was born on November 21, 1919 in La Harpe, Kansas. He served some time with the U.S. Navy during World War II including aboard the USS Herndon. He received the Bronze Star. He retired from the Navy Reserve as a lieutenant commander. He then later graduated from the University of Kansas and the University of Kansas School of Law. Stephenson narrowly defeated state legislator Finnis Heidel for the Democratic Party nomination in July of that year, and then handily defeated incumbent John T. Watson in the November general election.

Stephenson was reelected without opposition in 1974, but retired two years into his second term, on June 30, 1976, citing factors including inadequate pay, the retirement of friends on the court, and the belief that he had accomplished enough as a justice.

Stephenson died in Santa Fe at the age of 80.