R. Wayne Stephenson

Richard Wayne Stephenson (Wayne) 95 of Marietta, Georgia, formerly of Clayton, California and Fox River Grove, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2020 at Wellstar Tranquility Hospice after a brief illness. Wayne was born on August 23, 1924 in Lafayette, Iowa to Emma and Spencer Stephenson. He was raised by his mother and grandparents, Richard and Anna Lanning, on the family farm until he was 13. Both grandparents passed away within 3 months of each other and Wayne went to live with his Uncle Erwin, Aunt Lanorah and their daughters, Phyllis and Jean, where he was embraced as a son and brother. Wayne graduated from Marion High School in 1942 and received a scholarship to the Bryant & Stratton Business College in Chicago and another scholarship to Stanford University in California. Before continuing his education, he first joined the Navy after high school and was discharged in 1946. Because funds were in short supply after he was discharged, Wayne went to work for his uncle hauling crushed limestone that was used as fertilizer. He eventually moved to Chicago where he worked as an elevator operator at the Lawson YMCA during the day and attended Bryant & Stratton College at night. While working at the YMCA, Wayne met the love of his life Kay Kurose who also worked there as a secretary. They wed on November 15, 1952 at the Epworth Methodist Church in Chicago. After graduating from Bryant & Stratton, Wayne accepted a position at Liquid Air in Chicago and continued his education at Northwestern University. Wanting his kids to be raised in the country, Wayne moved his family to a Chicago suburb, Fox River Grove. Wayne continued to work for Liquid Air, taking the Chicago and Northwestern train into the city every day. In 1990, Wayne was transferred to Walnut Creek, CA, where he worked for the same company, now known as Air Liquid until he retired in 1996. He was an active long time member of the Kiwanis Club and Fox River Grove United Methodist Church as well as the Concord United Methodist Church in Concord, CA. It was all about family for Wayne. Cookouts every weekend during the summer and anyone and everyone was welcome. He enjoyed fishing, reading, gardening, and tending to his “orchard” when he lived in California. When his wife Kay asked if they could purchase a small cabin on a beautiful lake in Presque Isle, Wisconsin, there was no hesitation. We had many wonderful times together there as a family, which always included our aunts, uncles, and friends. Time was spent fishing, playing cards, hiking and exploring. He was totally devoted to his wife Kay. When she contracted COPD, he became her caregiver until her passing. He was patient, encouraging, had a gentle but strong nature, a great sense of humor, and a positive attitude. When asked by one of his children why he was always so cheerful, he responded “I’m just happy that I woke up this morning.” He was a wonderful husband, father, friend, neighbor, mentor and man. He will be sorely missed by all. Wayne is survived by sons Dick (Stephanie) of Marietta, GA., Paul (Beth) of Acworth, GA., and daughter Cathy (Jay) of Roswell, GA., four grandchildren, Amy (Matt), Emily (Chris), Sarah and Ricky (Kate) all of Georgia, 7 great grandchildren, two half sisters, Betty Stephenson and Lois Martin and two half brothers, Howard and Harold Stephenson, cousins and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 29, 2020 at the Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home, 180 Church St. NE, Marietta, GA. 30060. Visitation begins at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to Wellstar Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain, 475 Dickson Ave. NW, Marietta, GA. 30064 or the Oshkosh Animal Humane Society, 1925 Shelter Court, Oshkosh, WI. 54901. The family would like to thank Wellstar Tranquility for offering comfort and care to our dad the last few days of his life.

R. Wayne Stephenson

August 23, 1924 - February 21, 2020