Prof. Kenneth Lee Stevenson, 72, lost his battle with cancer on February 22, 2012. He was born August 1, 1939 to Luella Meyer & Willard Stevenson of Fort Wayne. Kenneth was a significant figure in the IPFW community, where he taught chemistry for 36 years (1968-2004) and chaired the Chemistry Department for almost 25 years (1979-2003). His research focused on the field of photochemistry, in which he published 50 peer-reviewed papers and one book, mentored many students, and collaborated with other scientists in Hungary, New Mexico and Colorado. Ken was passionate about creating music and photography, fostering strong connections with families and friends, and observing history and nature, all of which he was able to combine while traveling throughout the world. In retirement he continued these interests, writing a children's story with original music, "Violet and the Purple Piano," and a musical play, "The Bonnie Lad That's Far Awa," which was preformed at the Scottish Cultural Society of Fort Wayne Burns Supper in 2010. As a student at Elmhurst High School (Class of 1957) he played trumpet in school and community ensembles and he continued this hobby into his undergraduate years at Purdue University. After graduation he taught chemistry at Ladoga, IN, High School and Central High School, Pontiac, MI, before pursuing graduate studies at the University of Michigan. He earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry there in 1968, then returned to Fort Wayne to take up a post at IPFW. He is survived by his second wife, Carmen Kmety - Stevenson and their daughter, Sarah Stevenson at home; his daughters with his first wife, Virginia Lowe (died 1991), Mindy (Donald) Grewar of St. Andrews Scotland and Jill (Mark) Paulik of Cary, NC; brothers, David Stevenson of Poughkeepsie, NY and Warren Stevenson of Starke, FL, sister, Jean Dobson of Rhinebeck, NY; and his grandchildren, Mairi and Calum Grewar and Ariana Paulik. Service is 10 a.m. Saturday March 3, 2012 at D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road with calling 1 hour prior, Prof. Ron Friedman officiating. Calling also 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday March 2, 2012 at the funeral home. Memorials donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the IPFW Department of Chemistry Scholarship Fund. To sign the online guest book, go to www.mccombandsons.com
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