Richard George Stebbins, 93, of Bedford, NH, passed away Sunday, October 20, 2019 at the Arbors of Bedford in New Hampshire. He was born in Batavia, IL on November 4, 1925, a son of the late Lucille (Carlson) Stebbins and his stepfather, James Rush. Richard proudly served his country during World War II as a member of the 4th Marine Division, United States Marine Corps. After completing training at Camp Pendleton, CA, during which he met his future wife (Evelyn Evans Stebbins), he shipped overseas to fight and was wounded during the Battle of Iwo Jima, earning him the distinguished Purple Heart. After rehabbing in Hawaii he returned to the mainland where he and Evelyn would marry in 1947 at the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA. They then returned to Galesburg, IL where Richard would attend and graduate from Knox College, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1951. He later obtained a Master’s degree in Business.
Richard spent almost his entire professional career in the banking business, the last 25 years with Manufacturers Bank in Los Angeles, CA. While in L.A. he was actively involved with several charitable organizations, including Lions Club International and the Lark Ellen Home for Boys. In the mid 1970’s he also attended the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Association in LA. Richard was an avid golfer and sports fan, and he also enjoyed many bridge games and evenings with his wife and friends. He was also an accomplished host and bartender, as attested to by anyone who visited their home.
Richard was a devoted father who supported his two sons wholeheartedly. He would attend every one of their Little League games and swim meets, the latter even though he could not swim himself despite his oldest son’s efforts to teach him. Richard retired in 1988 and achieved his dream of living on a golf course in La Quinta, CA. If he wasn’t on the golf course, he could usually be found watching golf on TV or following the stock market on his computer. Richard and Evelyn also enjoyed taking many cruises and trips all over the world, often with their best friends of nearly 70 years, Cooper and Mary Ellen Blanton.
Richard is survived by his sons, Philip Stebbins and wife Linda of Londonderry, NH, and Timothy Stebbins and wife Leslie of San Diego, CA; six grandchildren, Geoffrey Stebbins and wife Jessica, Katherine Stebbins Remesch and husband Bryce, Amy Stebbins and husband Hauke, Rebecca Stebbins, Thomas Stebbins and Emma Stebbins; three great grandchildren (and a fourth on the way); a brother, Donald Stebbins; and twelve nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Evelyn of 71 years in 2018.
Following cremation, there will be a Celebration of Life held at Orchard Christian Fellowship on Sunday, November 3rd at 3:30 pm. The burial will take place in February at the Olivewood Cemetery, Riverside, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lions Club International.