Philip Eugene Stover

Philip Eugene Stover, age 87, of Beavercreek, passed away Sunday, December 20, 2020. Born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania to Elvin and Susie Ramish Stover on November 16, 1933, Phil leaves behind his wife and constant companion of over 64 years, Ann Colvard Stover. Phil also is survived by his daughter Lynn Leffler (John) of Georgia, and grandchildren Nicholas and Sydney Leffler. Preceding Phil in death are his son, Gregg Cameron Stover, and sisters Annette, Virginia, Joanne, Velma, and Eloise.

Whenever you asked Phil how he was doing, he would always say “Fantastic!”, and while this was said tongue-in-cheek, it was true – he was always personable and positive. A genuine, creative, and charismatic man, and devoted husband, father and grandfather, Phil will be sorely missed. And no discussion of Phil is complete without including Ann. The dynamic partnership between Phil and Ann was evidenced in the epic array of activities they did together – and whatever they did was always at a higher level. They jointly planned their house in Beavercreek, built in 1968, which remains among the finest in the neighborhood. They traveled extensively around the world, to Europe, East Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas – often without a firm itinerary: what they experienced one day would guide the next day. Their travels were memorialized in their pristine home, especially in the Asian décor of the house’s lower level, which they meticulously hand-wrought. Phil was a fearless homeowner, tackling everything from wiring to plumbing, cabinetry to decks and pergolas. Phil and Ann’s joint interest in tennis resulted in building a tennis court in their backyard, with Phil fabricating the fencing – and he was a fine tennis player well into his 70s. Phil was also a big fan of Ohio State and Penn State football. Patrons of the arts for years, Ann and Phil regularly attended Dayton-area live theatre, the Dayton Philharmonic, and the Dayton Opera.

Achieving the rank of second lieutenant in the US Air Force in 1955, Phil obtained a BS in mechanical engineering from Penn State’s main campus (not far from Bellefonte), also in 1955. He completed a year-long course in nuclear reactor technology from the Oak Ridge School of Reactor Technology in Tennessee, which is where he first met Ann, a North Carolina native who was at that time a school teacher. As a civilian research scientist with the Air Force, Phil (with Ann) transferred to the Dayton area with its Wright-Patterson AFB technical community. Phil obtained his PhD in physics from The Ohio State University in 1971. Dr. Stover retired in 1989 as Deputy Director of the Electronic Technology Laboratory at Wright-Patt, going on to do consulting work for military contractors for several years. As was frequently said (by his family), Phil was “smarter than almost everybody”.

Due to the pandemic, there will be no in-person service. If desired, personal contact with Phil’s family may be made through daughter Lynn Leffler, at [email protected], or 770-598-8563. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance.