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Richard C. Stover

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Richard C. Stover, a lifelong resident of Bucks County and life member of the Midway Fire Company, died peacefully on Monday, March 21, 2022. He was 87.
Born in Doylestown, he was the beloved husband of 39 years to Sara Abel Stover, son of the late Earl B. and Hannah Keyser Stover, and brother of the late George P. Stover.
Dick, as he was known to family and friends, spent his entire life in Buckingham. He started out in the one room schoolhouse in Holicong, where he was in charge of blacking out the windows during air raid drills. He was a graduate of Central Bucks Joint High School, Class of 1953. Dick was a third generation farmer and worked with his father and brother on the family farm in Buckingham for over 35 years before changing careers in the mid ’70s. At one time, the family farmed over 800 acres including the land that is now Peddler’s Village.
At the age of 16, in 1951, he joined the Midway Fire Company, Station No. 5 and was an active member of the fire company for 70 years. As a young man and throughout his life, he gave his heart and soul to the fire service. Dick spent his lifetime dedicated to the fire community. His many achievements included: 18 years as chief of Midway Fire Company, two years as deputy chief, seven years as president, eight years as vice president and numerous years as fire marshall of Buckingham Township.
In addition, Dick was a well-respected instructor, receiving the certificate of Instructor Emeritus from the State Fire Commissioner. For many years Dick taught fire fighting and fire safety, including hazmat training and farm rescue, at the Bucks County Fire School and also at many Bucks County Fire Stations, and in neighboring counties as well. He believed in teaching and was adept at using the equipment and tools available at each fire station. He was recognized and known, everywhere he went, by his many former students and fellow firefighters.
In addition, Dick was honored for serving for over 30 years as Forest Fire Warden. He received countless awards for being Firefighter of the Year, Instructor of the Year, and from many organizations for selfless service to his community.
In later years, Dick greatly enjoyed getting together, often at the firehouse, with the other old-timers, reminiscing and recalling their times together.
He looked forward to the time he and his wife spent outdoors at the house upstate in Dimock, Pa. They loved walking up the hill, exploring the creek that had a mind of its own, changing direction many times, and enjoying their beloved friends Cathy and Phil.
Dick had many hobbies, most especially tending to his flowers, yard and vegetable garden. Dick was a truly passionate and gifted gardener, and when pulling into his driveway, you could well imagine their home being on the front of House and Garden magazine. He spent countless hours tending to his flowers and beloved vegetable garden. He especially loved growing corn and gladiolas.
He was an avid train enthusiast, collecting standard gauge trains, and his grandchildren loved watching them, especially at holidays. Dick also loved being outdoors, and enjoyed hunting and trapping for many years.
He will be remembered for his warm and welcoming smile, firm handshake and words of wisdom. Dick was contacted numerous times for historical information about Buckingham Township, being one of the longest residing members of the area. His grandchildren, especially, will remember with love his corny jokes!
In addition to his wife Sara, he is survived by his children and step-children; Cynthia S. Conwell and her husband James of Perkasie, Susan B. Pursell of Dublin; and step-children Sharon S. Carpenter and her husband Mark of Doylestown, Susan E. Boyd and her husband Kevin of Kintnersville, Pa., George H. Stuebing and his wife Debbie of Wilmington, Del., and Diana Zipkin and her husband Andrew of Sanbornville, N.H. He was the supportive grandfather to: Daniel Conwell and his fiancée Caitlin McVey, Megan Conwell, Kevin Boyd Jr., Sara J. Carpenter, Zack Boyd, Emily Stuebing and Allison Stuebing. He is also survived by his former wife, Dorothy Beer Stover.
Memorial services for Dick will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 4 p.m. at the Midway Fire Co. Station No. 5, 5770 US 202, New Hope, PA 18938.
Immediately following his memorial service there will be time to greet Dick’s family along with light refreshments.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Parkinson Council, 12 W. Willow Grove Ave., Philadelphia 19118, direct link to donate: https://theparkinsoncouncil.org/donate/. Or to the Environmental Defense Fund 1875 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 600. Washington DC, 20009. Or to the Midway Volunteer Fire Company Station No. 5, P.O. Box 715, Lahaska, PA 18931.


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