Obituary of Richard Stevens

Richard Dean Stevens of Julesburg, Colorado, formerly of Flagler, Colorado passed away January 12, 2006 while hospitalized in Aurora, Colorado. Dean was born December 5, 1931 to Virgil Fay and Alberta Georgia (Call) Stevens in Benkelman, Nebraska, one of six children. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1950. Dean married Freda Mae Billington on January 5, 1951 in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. To this union, four children were born. Dean was a member of the First Congregational Church in Flagler. Being a family and community-minded individual, he was always there for his children and grandchildren’s events. He announced the Flagler football games and was in charge of the July 4th fireworks display in Flagler for many years. Dean served as a Kit Carson County Commissioner from 1984-1993 where he was instrumental in many positive things for the county. He was a member of the Flagler Town Council, later the Mayor of Flagler for several terms and was also the town manager for a number of years. While in Flagler, he was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department and drove for the Flagler Ambulance Service. Following a move to Julesburg in September 1993, Dean was the Emergency Manager and Useful Public Service Coordinator for Sedgwick County. He played a big role in obtaining many grants and funds for both Kit Carson and Sedgwick counties. Dean loved restoring antiques in general and collecting old coins but what he enjoyed most was restoring antique cars. He was especially intrigued by the Ford Model A. He along with his son Randy owned and operated D&D (and later renamed Flagler) Antique Car Restoration from 1974 to 1979. He received several awards for his craftsmanship on restored cars over the years. Dean was co-owner of D&D Cleaners in Burlington with his brother, Dallas, and was later sole owner of D&D Cleaners in Flagler from 1960 to 1975. Dean worked along side his brother, Norman, in Stevens Construction, building and remodeling many homes in eastern Colorado. Dean was an avid sports fan, enjoyed playing softball and was a golden gloves boxer during the time he was in the National Guard. He enjoyed hunting, bird watching and shooting blue rock. He has won numerous awards in trapshooting. His parents and two brothers, Virgil and Norman, preceded him in death. Dean is survived by his wife, Freda of Centennial, CO and their children, Margie Ann (Alvin) Fisher of Wray, CO, Randy Dean (Carolyn) Stevens of Centennial, CO, Bart Eugene (Sharon) Stevens of Castle Rock, CO, and Kevin Lee (Celeste) Stevens of Brush, CO; 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; one brother; Dallas (Doris) Stevens of Burlington, CO; two sisters, Sharon (Paul) Ybarra of Brush, CO and Connie (Dale) Ridder of Burlington, CO; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and many friends. Dean will be greatly missed and remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a helpful friend. Funeral services for Dean were held Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Flagler, CO with Pastor Bob Strauch officiating. Private Interment will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Donor’s Church of Choice. Service arrangements were made by Love Funeral Home of Limon, CO.