Richard Henry Stevenson, age 78, passed away March 1, 2013 at SSM De Paul Hospital in Bridgeton, MO following a brief illness. The son of Paul Henry and Florence Gertrude (Jansen) Stevenson.
He married Twila Mae Dannenhauer on July 3, 1955 at Arbela Baptist Church. To this union three children were born, Judy Lynn, Donald Henry (deceased) and Charles Allan.
He is was an active member of the Arbela Baptist Church.
He attended grade school at Prospect Grove and graduated from Granger High School in 1953.
Richard served in the army from 1953-1955.
Richard and Twila owned and operated Arbela Trading Post from 1963 to 1978 during which time he also had a construction and electrical business. Many people enjoyed the annual Fish Fry hosted by the Arbela Trading Post. He later drove a tractor trailer truck for Dickey Transport, which he retired from in 1999. After retirement he drove for Kenny Hauk hauling grain.
Richard is presently Mayor of Arbela. He enjoyed working to make Arbela a better place to live.
Richard's hobbies and interests included hunting and gardening with his kids, grandkids, and friends.
Richard served on the Northeast Missouri Rural Telephone Board for 33 years. He also served on the Scotland County Ambulance board and the Scotland County Fair board.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Shorty and Florence Stevenson, one son, Donald Henry, and a sister Betty Lou Burcham.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Twila, daughter Judy and husband Randy Kennedy, and son Charles and friend Sara Craddock. Three grandsons, Richard and wife Salli Bowen, Timothy and wife Jessica Bowen, Landon and wife Katie Stevenson. One granddaughter, Elaina Stevenson and fiance Berlin Haugen IV, Three great-grandchildren, Joseph (Joey), Chloe, and Zoey Bowen, all of which were the joy of his life.
He is also survived by one sister, Pauline Childress. Several nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Memorials are suggested to either the Arbela Baptist Church or the Hickory Grove Cemetery Association and can be left at or mailed to the Payne Funeral Chapel, 202 E. Madison St., Memphis, Missouri 63555.Visitation
Payne Funeral Chapel
202 East Madison St.
Memphis, Missouri 63555
Sunday March, 3, 2013---3-8 PM with family present from 5-8
Service
Payne Funeral Chapel
202 East Madison St.
Memphis, Missouri 63555
Monday, March 4, 2013---10:30 AM
Interment
Hickory Grove Cemetery
Arbela, Missouri 63432
Memorial Contributions
Memorials are suggested to the Arbela Baptist Church or the Hickory Grove Cemetery Association, and can be mailed to, or left at the Payne Funeral Chapel, 202 East Madison St., Memphis, Missouri 63555
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