Stephen Webber Sr.

Stephen Webber Sr. MACHIPONGO - Stephen George Webber Sr., son of the late Stephen Jackson Webber and Gertrude Esther Talbert, died Oct. 30, 2010, after a long battle with mantle cell lymphoma. Steve graduated from Port Washington High School, Port Washington, N.Y., and from the University of Richmond, Richmond. He served in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II and then the U.S. Border Patrol. He gained recognition as a member of the pistol shooting team. He finished his federal career at the National Bureau of Standards, retiring in 1983. In 1988, Steve published "The Daylily Encyclopedia." Henry Mitchell, garden writer for the Washington Post, wrote that "His is a delightful and useful book, and oddly enough there has been no book like it," (Washington Post, July 3, 1988). Steve is survived by his loving wife, Margaret W. Chalkley; his children, Eileen Kline, Stephen G. Webber Jr. and wife Tracy, Karen W. Harrell and husband Barry, Russell N. Webber and wife Megan; his stepsons, Neal Chalkley and wife Nancy, Philip Chalkley; and Steve's former wife, Marion E. Webber. He is also survived by his foster brother, Edward Marchini of Etowah, N.C. Steve has four grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Doris W. MacMillan and Charlotte W. Melville. Steve enjoyed many hobbies, chiefly gardening and literature. He was a member of the UU Church of Rockville and the Vedenta Center of Silver Spring. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Eastern Shore, (757)787-3310; the Vedanta Center of Washington, (301) 603-1772; or the UU Church of Rockville, Md., (301) 762-7666.