Stanton "Dave" Phelps

Dave, formerly of Riverdale, MD, passed away suddenly on Friday, May 24, 2019, at his Laurel home. He was the beloved husband of Marilyn Phelps, caring father of his two sons Erik (daughter-in-law Claudia Rios-Phelps) and David Jason Phelps (daughter-in-law Maria Baguio), and adoring grandfather of Xavier Jason and Maria Johonna Phelps. Also, surviving is his former wife Linn Taylor. He was the son of the late Stanton Charles and Johonna Phelps. After graduating from Northwestern High School, with a “little push” from his Mom, he entered the U.S. Army. Dave served for 4 years in Korea. After his tour, he used his G.I. Bill to further his education and attended the University of Maryland. He graduated proudly from the School of Business with a degree in Finance. After a long, successful career at the Department of Agriculture, he retired in 1997. Dave had such a big heart and loved his family tremendously. His second love, after his family, was his music. He not only loved to listen to all genres of music but eagerly wanted to share his passion and knowledge with everyone he met. When he met you, he would ask “What kind of music do you like?” and the next time he saw you, he would have a CD of that music for you. It gave him such joy to share his love of music. He also greatly enjoyed traveling, animals, and gardening. He and Marilyn not only traveled around the country but were world travelers. Some of his favorite trips were New Zealand, Australia, and their Rhine River Cruise, but there were so many more. He recently checked off one of his bucket list items and sailed through the Panama Canal. He was also an avid sports fan of the University of Maryland sports teams, the Washington Senators (Nationals) and Redskins, and the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens.

Friends and family may call at Gasch’s Funeral Home, P.A., 4739 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, on Thursday, May 30, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Immediately following, there will be a short memorial service. The family invites you to an open house at Dave and Marilyn’s home after the service.

The interment will be at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD, on Friday, May 31, 2019. The procession will leave from Gasch’s Funeral Home at 11:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dave’s name to The University of Maryland Veterans Scholarship https://giving.umd.edu/giving/addGiving.php , or the SPCA of Anne Arundel County 1815 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403 https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/AACSPCA or to any animal rescue of your choice.