Richard Von “Dick” Stevenson, 79, passed away on December 9, 2021, in
Colby, Kansas. He was born on May 30, 1942, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to
Carlos Craig and Thelma Louise (Swafford) Stevenson.
Dick grew up in Kansas and Arizona, his grandparents were a huge
part of his life as a kid. Dick was a very accomplish boxer, he won the
Kansas and Oklahoma Golden Gloves Boxing Championship. He graduated
from Hutchinson High School in 1960. After high school, he attended
Hutchinson Community College for a year. In 1961, he began to work for
Cessna Aircraft Company and he also married the love of his life,
Patricia Swepston in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Dick enjoyed aviation. He became the first instrument flight
instructor in the state of Kansas. He started crop dusting in 1968.
Then in 1971, he moved to Selden, bought land and started farming, which
he enjoyed immensely. His biggest passion was his family. He loved
spending time with his wife, kids, grandkids and great grandkids. After
40 years, he retired from crop dusting and turned the business over to
his son, Kevin and grandson, Ryan Stevenson.
Dick is survived by his wife, Patricia Stevenson; sons, Kelly
Stevenson of Selden, KS and Kevin Stevenson of Selden, KS; daughters,
Julie (David) Ezra of Wayne, New Jersey and Cindy (Jeff) Stechmann of
Tampa, FL; grandchildren, Ashley Arnberger, Randi Smith, Ryan Stevenson,
Drew Stevenson, Korine Ezra, Tyler Stevenson, Konner Ezra, Joshua
Stechmann, and Maddison Stechmann; brother, Tom (Mary) Copenhaver of
Anthony, KS; sister, Laura Martinez of Hutchinson, KS; he is also
survived by 7 great granddaughters and one on the way, and one great
grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter
Kirra Ezra.
Click HERE for service details.