Richard Burton Stevenson, outdoorsman, traveler
Richard Burton Stevenson, 83, of Lewes passed away Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at Seasons Hospice, Christiana Care, in Newark. Richard was born Aug. 17, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pa., the son of the late Jesse Burton and Laura May Harlacher.
Mr. Stevenson was a University of Pennsylvania graduate, class of 1958, earning a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. Upon completion of the ROTC program, Mr. Stevenson served in the U.S. Navy, igniting a love of country and travel that would stay with him always. He earned his master’s degree at New York University shortly after completing his naval service. Richard’s professional career spanned 31 years at General/Kraft Foods as an innovative and dedicated employee, developing products and earning patents.
In retirement, Dick was passionate about serving with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was a docent with the Lewes Historical Society and a member of The Lutheran Church of Our Savior.
Throughout his life, Mr. Stevenson enjoyed a love of wood craftsmanship, creating beautiful pieces that grace family homes. He was an outdoorsman, both on the water and land. He boated and fished with family and friends, reveling in those times in which fish or crabs were caught. At home, Dick could be found working outside to keep it meticulously groomed. Richard and his wife, Estelle, shared so many interests, but travel was perhaps the most special. Together they would enjoy adventures on five of the world’s continents, creating a lifetime of memories. Above all, Richard was a family man who supported and enjoyed his wife, children and grandchildren.
Mr. Stevenson is survived by his forever yours wife of 58 years, Estelle L. Stevenson of Lewes; his children: Barbara Land (Chandler) of Middletown, Edward Stevenson (Jennifer) of Ridgewood, N.J., Jennifer Thomas (Herbert) of Lincoln University, Pa.; and his grandchildren: Colin, Leah, Mitchell, Margot and Colette.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, Jan. 24, at 11 a.m., at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 20276 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth Beach, where viewing will be one hour prior in the church. Burial will follow the services at St. Peter's Cemetery, Pilottown Road, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Christiana Care, PO Box 1668, Wilmington, DE 19899, christianacare.org/giving, or Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care of Delaware, 30265 Commerce Drive, Suite 205, Millsboro, DE 19966, seasons.org.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes, DE
Please visit Mr. Stevenson's Life Memorial and sign the online guestbook.
