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Richard STETSON Obituary
For years Mr. Stetson had been an active member of Central United Methodist Church in Hampton. He was a current member of Tappahannock Memorial United Methodist Church. Mr. Stetson was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge 197 in Phoebus and a member of the Scottish Rite Lodge. He was an avid ham radio operator with the call letters K4DHO. He was a member and served as president of SPARK. Mr. Stetson was active in several organizations including the American Legion and the VFW, where he was a lifetime member. Prior to moving to Tappahannock, he served for many years as a docent at the Virginia Air and Space Museum in Hampton.
Mr. Stetson served his country as a member of the armed forces, serving in WWII and the Korean War. He also served in the Virginia National Guard for many years.
Mr. Stetson is survived by his wife of 62 years, Winifred Gardner Stetson; son, Richard H. Stetson Jr. of Atlanta, Ga.; daughter-in-law Karen C. Stetson of Newport News; daughters Ginger (Danny) Maynor of Dunnsville, Va.; Pamela (William Sr.) Hankison, of Dunnsville, and Cheryl (Dean Shank) Gricks of Hanover, Pa. Grandchildren include: Scott (Stephanie) Maynor; Brian (Kristy) Maynor; Daniel (Tresa) Maynor; William Lee Hankison Jr.; Stephanie Gail Hankison; Rikki Stetson Diggs and James Richard Shelton. Great-grandchildren include Kailyn and Casey Maynor; Lily and Jenna Maynor; Haven Kirk; William Hankison Ill and Shaylin Diggs. He is also survived by two brothers, John and Jim Grangrade of Nantucket Island, Ma.
A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Aug. 26, 2011 by Rev. John Ashley at the Peninsula Memorial Park Cemetery, 12750 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tappahannock Memorial United Methodist Church, PO Box 326, Tappahannock, VA 22560.
A special thank you is given to his faithful nurses, daughters Pam and Cheryl and granddaughter Stephanie, who took such good care of him. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard STETSON
Pamela Hankison
August 4, 2022
Missing you, Daddy. Today marks thee 11th year since you went to Heaven. I miss you as much today as the day you left us. I am happy that you are reunited with Mom and you are with Bill, Jr. Watch over us hear waiting to join you one day. I love you!
Pamela Hankison
August 4, 2022
Daddy, It has been 11 years since you left us to go to Heaven. I miss you as much today as I did on the day you passed away. Please hug Billy and Mom for me. Watch over us who love you so much. I love you! Pam
C Randolph Gardner
August 2, 2021
Uncle Flip, You were a big part of my life in my early years. So grateful for your influence and happy memories.
Stephanie Hankison
September 3, 2013
To all that loved my Granddaddy, I have made a memorial site where we can continue to remember and honor him. You can find it at www.Never-Gone.com/Memorials/richardstetson
Hope to see you there!
-Stephanie Hankison
August 5, 2013
love you daddy...
Enjoying the busyness around you!
Pamela Hankison
November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving Daddy. I miss you so much. You were always so much a part of my celebration of Thanksgiving. You used to watch the parade with us on Thanksgiving Day. I can see you sitting with us, quietly as usual, and enjoying the bussaling around you! I know you are with us in spirit but I miss seeing you. I love you Daddy. Mom is having a hard time since you left and since she lost her eyesight. We are taking care of her as we took care of you. I am looking forward to being with you again when God calls me home in His time. I love you Daddy.
Love, Pam
November 20, 2012
a candle just because i miss you...you would have loved sunday,ritchie and emily celebrated their marriage .it was beautiful...you would have loved it..i love you daddy and i miss you so much....please save me a special place right beside you..we will continue to take care of momma,,she so misses you .. love, cheryl
Pamela Hankison
November 12, 2012
Daddy, I miss you. I am thinking of you especially on this Veterans Day. Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for your sacrifice.
Please ask the angles that surround you to surround mom today and give her the peace that comes from being a child of God. Hug Jesus for me and tell Him I love Him. I love you Daddy. Live, Pam
November 11, 2012
i know the love you had for your country and want to say thank you,,,thinking of you on this veterans day...i miss daddy cheryl
cheryl
September 21, 2012
daddy..i miss you so much.my birthdays just dont seem to have the same meaning without you to share them with me.we did celebrate.mom bought dinner and mine was left out!! go figure.thats ok i spent it with family.i love you daddy :)please take care of mom she needs your comfort.we are doing our best but she misses you.
September 17, 2012
September 17, 2012
September 17, 2012
Pam Hankison
September 15, 2012
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!! We are gathering at Mom's today to celebrate Cheryl's 50th birthday and your 85th birthday. We honor you today with our happy memories of your life and the 50 birthdays you/we have shared with the baby, Cheryl. We are having Strawberry Shortcake-one of your favorites! I dedicate my day to you, Dad. I love and miss you.
Love, Pam
He is always ready
Bill Hankison
September 3, 2012
I do remember all those great fishing days in the bay! There will always be just one more.
Bill
Pam
September 1, 2012
Daddy, I miss you more and more as time goes by. Mama is feeling a little better. She so wants to be with you. I cherish the love you and mom shared and it was/is a remarkable model for us to follow. Your devotion to each other is as evident today as when you were physically here. I love you. Please continue to shine your light on Mom.
Stephanie Hankison
August 31, 2012
Granddaddy,
I just want to tell you that I love you!
-Stephanie
August 13, 2012
Dad, I miss you. Mom is sick and in the hospital. Please send your light to comfort her. She loves you so much and grieves for you so. I know you are in heaven. Please thank Jesus for taking care of Mom. I love you Dad. It won't be long before we will no longer have this way to talk to you. But I know you will forever live in our hearts and minds and I look forward to seeing you again. I love you Daddy.
winnie stetson
July 7, 2012
Dear Flip,
I am really lonely for you. I know you are with God but it is difficult for me.
Remember, we were married: you were 21 and I was 20 and we sure didn't have what the young ones have and expect this day and time. But we were happy and started a family right away. You worked long hours to support us. I am proud of you for your loytalty. We just stuck together with love and trust. i will always love you and miss you.
Love for ever _ Winnie
July 5, 2012
I raised the flag for the 4th for you
chery
June 20, 2012
daddy i so missed you ths past sunday ...happy fathers day i think of you all the time,,ritchie and emily got married today so a new addition to the family!!
Stephanie Hankison
May 30, 2012
Granddaddy,
So sorry for all the messages yesterday! I was obviously having "technical difficulty "! Here's a laugh for you in Heaven :D
Love,
Stephanie
Stephanie Hankison
May 29, 2012
Dearest Granddaddy,
I know we were all thinking of you this Memorial Day Weekend. I appreciate the humble gratitude, respect and loyalty you taught us toward our country. I don't think any of us ever pass by an American flag without thinking of you.
With Love,
Stphanie
Stephanie Hankison
May 29, 2012
Dearest Granddaddy,
I think we were all thinking of you this Memorial Day Weekend. Mom prayed beautifully a prayer for veterans that I know you'd love. I appreciate the humble gratitude, respect and honor you all taught us to have toward our wonderful country. Regardless of the turmoil that continues, we are fortunate to live in this country and I am grateful for your service to it. I don't think any of us pass by an American flag without thinking of you. I love you so very much!
With Love,
Stephanie
May 29, 2012
Dearest Granddaddy,
I wrote to you recently and I don't know what happened to the entry. I guess it got lost in cyber-space as those things happen.
This past Memorial Day Weekend I recall the pride, admiration and dedication that you instilled in our family toward the United States. I don't think any of us ever look at an American Flag without thinking of you! I sta
Rick Stetson
May 28, 2012
Dad, you always flew the American Flag. Up at my RV camp in Cleveland Ga, I installed a 22'flag pole just for you and a really nice 3x5 flag.If you were looking over me the day I picked it up, make note I will have to fix that. I flew it this weekend for you and will continue to do so. Funny this is my 1st time doing this, flying the big flag. If you happen to look down and see it , dont worry I will install a spot light. I will take it down at night untill I do so. I did let it fly over the weekend.I miss knowing you are here but I know you are around all of us.
William Hankison
May 28, 2012
Dick My father-in-law. He has been my father. We did many things together and had a great time at them all! I will always miss you and will never forget!
Love ya
Bill
May 27, 2012
Uncle Flip, you were a great uncle--you listened to all my troubles, randy...
winnie Stetson
May 26, 2012
Today is Memorial week-end and I have you in my thoughts today and every day. I miss you so much. You were my love, I was nineteen and you were twenty. Young lovers and it lasted 63 years until God called you Home.
winnie stetson
April 17, 2012
Dear Flip,
This has been a sad day beause I miss you more than I can express in words.
You shall always be in my thoughts. Love forever, Winnie
PS,I am lonely for you. I don't know how to not be. Send an angel to guide me.
i
Winnie Stetson
February 13, 2012
Dear- Flip -Feb.14th- Happy Valentine Day. I shall remember all the cards and candy you gave me. We loved each other and I thought it would be for-ever. You were always my love and I have the comfort knowing you loved me. Winnie
Stephanie Hankison
January 4, 2012
Granddaddy,
It's late and I find myself with a sudden pain in my chest. I miss you so much. I miss your quiet strength. I miss your enduring love. I miss your bald head. I miss cuddling with you.
You taught me so many things in life. I am a better woman because of you. I thank you for this. And I thank you for your generosity in love.
Please comfort Grandma and send the angels to be with her. She misses you so.
I love you always.
-Stephanie
Winnie Stetson
January 1, 2012
My love Flip,
Today is the start of a new year with out you to share with. I will try to make it alone, but it will not be the same ever without you. I shall always miss you, however we have the children that love us. Only
God can see me through, and I have to believe He will take care of me. I am very sad but I am trying to be better.
With His help I
will. I don't know when, but He will guide me.
I thank God every day for the bless-
ings you and I have received together and now the blessings I have and will receive until I see you again.
Right nnow I have a broken heart and will alway have you there.
Love forever- Winnie
December 26, 2011
Uncle Flip, I know you are in heaven, and smiling at us during this Christmas season. Knowing this provides some comfort to my sad heart. Thank you for being my Guiding Light and Moral Compass for the majority of my life!
Randy ( JR.)
Pamela Hankison
December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas Dad.This year is different from all the rest. First Christmas without Dad. Miss you Dad.
Granddaddy and I at the To-do Cafe in Tappahannock
Stephanie Hankison
September 3, 2011
Last Voyage
Mine a scarlet letter
Yours a purple heart
Though, no one's hero
You cared to be
Always a hero
Always to me
A sacrifice in strength
A promise of faith
Patience your virtue
In His name's sake
A beacon of Light
This your very presence
An angel to us all
From Heaven sent
You've sailed your ship
Your flag hung high
This your last voyage
Your final goodbye
But, I say "Hello" to you
As we are one in Spirit
We'll dance with wings wide open
Through the Heavens we inherit
-written for you Granddaddy
cheryl
September 3, 2011
the days go by so fast,but not one that i dont think of you :( i love you daddy...
Sherry Huycke
August 26, 2011
My dear friends,
It has been many years since we've been together, but I'll always cherish the times spent in the Stetson household when Pam and I were in nursing school.
Pam and sibs, I know how you feel because I lost my dad almost 34 years ago. You're very blessed to have had him with you for so long. It's never easy, no matter what age...
Mrs. Stetson, I know you've lost the love of your life. Please know that you all have been on my mind constantly since I read about his passing. I planned to come to the service, but now we will be on the road out of Hampton due to the hurricane unfortunately. I'm so sorry to miss being with all of you.
One thing for certain, we WILL see him again if we all remain true to our Lord and Saviour!
Momma sends her condolences as well.
Please email or call me when you can.
Our love and prayers to you all.
Sherry Hensel Garcia Huycke
Pam Hankison
August 17, 2011
I am so blessed to have had a relationship with my Dad that was filled with good memories. By example, Dad showed me how to live my life like my Lord would want me to. He was a great example of kindness and love. I will always remember his love for my mother. I never heard him say anything unkind about her. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He accepted everyone as they were and he did his best to help many. What a blessing to have had a dad like Richard H. Stetson, Sr.!
winnie steteson
August 15, 2011
Dear Flip,
I think of you and the good times we shared with each other and the children.
I shall always miss you and love you. We shared a long life together, however it seems short now. I know you are with Jesus and the angels. We will meet again some day. Love forever.Winnie
August 15, 2011
Uncle Flip--Your spirit is still with us.
I miss you so much.
Randy
August 14, 2011
Ricky and family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.As a kid i remember your dad as a man of integrity and intelligence who loved his family very much.My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Donnie Davis
cheryl
August 13, 2011
i miss you daddy.....
cheryl
August 13, 2011
i miss you daddy...but i have peace knowing you are still watching over me...
Barbara Merrick
August 11, 2011
The members of The Stetson Kindred of America, Inc., extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of Richard. His good service to the community makes us proud to have had him as a Stetson, who continued bringing honor to the surname of our ancestor, Cornet Robert Stetson. Barbara Merrick, Stetson, Historian
Sheri Smith
August 11, 2011
Pam,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. There are no words to say to make this any easier but please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Pam, I can so remember you being there with my when my step-father passed and I will always remember it. You have and will always be a very special person to me. Please give every one my love and give your mom a hug from me. Please keep in touch!! Love you ! Sheri Smith
Luther and Anne Lewis
August 11, 2011
May God bless you and your family at this time of sorrow. We both worked with Dick at Virginia Power in Hampton. He was a wonderful person. Our prayers are with you.
Master Sargent Richard Stetson US Army 1950
Pam Hankison
August 10, 2011
Richard Stetson
August 10, 2011
Its been 6 days since my Dad passed away. As I talked to close friends and my friends at work I've express how it was my Dads time to move on to his next mission. I've also told many people its OK and I was ready for this. Well I lied just a little, I will miss my Dad. It was really hard for me to say good-by but my sisters really made the sad parts OK. I was lucky and blessed to had been with my Mother when Dad passed. I left him sometime around 11pm that night and got the would from Pam around 11am the next morning. I hope in some small way my Dad knew I was home with Mom and could bring her some comfort in that moment in time.
My Dad was a very kind and giving man. He was always telling me to slow down, what's you rush he would say. As a young boy my Dad always made time for me. He taught me everything I needed to know as a kid to help make a life of my own. I hope my Dad passed knowing I loved him and he did a pretty good job being a Dad, a friend and our Farther. I watched him give to other kids when I was young and helped many others in his years. He provided for 4 children of his own and always gave something back. I moved to Atlanta Georgia in 2000 but somehow I've felt closer to Dad then I ever did as a young man. Thanks you God for the blessing to have such a good man for a Dad. Dad rest assured we will all take care of Mom. She stood beside you and I'm sure she will miss you but she is going to be with us for some time to come. For all of you that knew my Dad thanks for your kind words and I'm sure you will miss him too. In the end I realized something very special, Dick Stetson was my Daddy ! Rick Stetson
Matt & Cathy McQuade
August 10, 2011
Dear Winnie and family, we are so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. Matt and I have many fond memories of him from our days at Central UMC. He was such a kind man. My parents, Chuck and Doris George, always thought so much of you and Dick. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jane Hohn
August 10, 2011
Winnie & family --
Gretchen let me know about Flip's passing. The news prompted a wealth of memories! How well I remember those days on Westminster Dr. in Hampton -- Hilda Mae and Randy across the street and all of you right next door to them. I remember when you moved in -- Hilda Mae and Randy were so happy that you were there.
May you have peace in your hearts, knowing that Flip is in a much better place now. It's those who are left behind here on Earth who have the hard job dealing with the loss; but know that he will head up the welcome committee when your times come to join him in Glory.
Jane Hohn (formerly Jennette)
Mike and Norma Crean
August 9, 2011
Our condolences on your loss. Your entire family is in our thoughts as well as our prayers. May God bless.
Tamara Alderman
August 9, 2011
Pam and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Larry and Tamara Alderman
Randy Gardner
August 9, 2011
Aunt Winnie and all my dear dear cousins---Ever since I was your wedding ring bearer Uncle Flip has been my Mentor ( almost my whole life). The long nights spent with him on K4DHO (morse code and voice), the joyous celebrations after Korea, all his advice along the way had a big influence on my life.
He was our great Moral Compass.
Uncle Flip, I love you, and will miss you very much.
Randy
James Shelton
August 8, 2011
Granddaddy you will be very missed! Please shine your light on me and watch over the entire family through the remainder of our lives. Thank you all for the support in this tough time.
Steve Silsby
August 8, 2011
My most heartfelt condolences to Winnie and Ricky and the rest of your family. Dick, K4DHO was one of my "Elmers" -- one who teaches electronics and Morse code to the "newbies" and shepherds them into the ranks of Amateur Radio. Indeed, his mobile radio installation was the first operating ham radio rig I had ever seen. He was one of my scoutmasters in Troop 3 at Hilton Methodist Church starting in 1965. Dick was a great friend and mentor.
Pam Hankison
August 8, 2011
Good night Daddy.
Sonny and Bernice Roscopf
August 8, 2011
Dear Winnie and family members, we were sorry to hear of your husband's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We know that through God's Infinite Wisdom and Love that He will give you added Strength, Comfort and Peace as only He can do during this difficult time of separation from your loved one. "Absent from the body and present with the Lord". Our deepest sympathy is with each one of you. Love and prayers, Sonny and Bernice Roscopf's family
Russ Gentry
August 8, 2011
I was so sorry to learn of Dick's passing. He was a good Christian man and always had a kind word of greeting. He was an asset to Central Church and will be missed by his many friends. I enjoyed working with him when we parked cars for Bay Days; he was a real trooper. God bless Winnie and her family during this difficult time.
Anthony and Marilyn Black
August 8, 2011
May God bless and comfort you through the loss in your family.
Rick Thomasson
August 8, 2011
Rick, Karen and families, I was saddened to read of the passing of Dick. I have known him since the late 50's through amateur radio, and he always had a encouraging word to say, and a smile on his face. We last met when he and your mother were living temporarily at the Devonshire in Hampton. I will miss his kind ways and cherish the many fond memories of him.
William Hankison
August 8, 2011
I will miss my father-in-law very much. We have had many good times together. I know he is now at piece and at the hand of God. He was a loving man to all members of his family. He would always try to help any of us with any problem we were having. His love for his family will continue for ever because we all love him and will miss him.
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