Rick (Richard) M. Stevenson

Rick (Richard) M. Stevenson, 68, of Meadville, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, May 26, 2023.

He was born July 1, 1954, at McCllellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, California, to Dick and Shirley Stevenson.  He married Rhonda Lu Byham on February 14, 1981.

He grew up working summers on the family farm, driving a tractor by age five.  Graduating from Saegertown High School and the Crawford County Vocational-Technical School in 1972, he followed in his father’s footsteps, working as a tool-and-die maker, before later becoming an owner-operator truck driver.

A charter member and first president of Meadville’s Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1194, he spent eight years building a P 26 Acey Ducey two-seater airplane with his uncle Eddie Householder.  Most recently, he was renovating a sailboat so that he and Rhonda could go off on a “grand adventure.”  He especially cherished visits with his daughter Kaylan in Virginia, helping her with various projects.  A voracious reader and an avid student of history, he loved to joke and tell stories, drank his coffee black, and was always the first to drop everything to help where help was needed.

In addition to his loving wife, Rhonda, survivors include a daughter, Kaylan Stevenson, of Williamsburg, Va.; his mother, Shirley Stevenson, a brother, Randy Stevenson, and a sister, Susan Reitinger, all of Meadville; together with many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be Sunday, June 4th, from 2 to 4 p.m., with a service at 3 p.m., at New Beginnings Church of God, 13226 Leslie Rd., Meadville.

The arrangements have been entrusted to the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE where memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net