Stephen Lee Denson, of Lexington, Virginia, died on Monday, December 15, 2014, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Stephen leaves behind his wife, Susan; daughter, Jenny and her husband, Eric Miller; and four grandchildren, Caity and her husband, Steve Chiado, Hayley, Sam, and Reese.

Stephen was born on March 14, 1940 to the late Helen and Charles Denson of Roanoke, Va.

He attended Jefferson High School in Roanoke and subsequently graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1962.

He served under Admiral Hyman Rickover on the ballistic missile submarine the USS Andrew Jackson.

In addition to his service as a submariner, Stephen also taught at the Navy's Nuclear Power Training Center in Bainbridge, Maryland. Following his military service, he was employed by Pennsylvania Power & Light Utilities as a mechanical engineer to build power plants. He also obtained a Professional Engineering license from the state of Pennsylvania.

After his retirement in 2004, Stephen continued to work part time for the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Disaster Preparedness.

Stephen and Susan resided in Danville, PA for over 40 years, raising their daughter, Jenny, restoring the 18th century farmhouse in which they lived, and enjoying an active life in their Pennsylvania community.

Stephen served as Senior Warden at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church in Danville.

In 2009, Stephen and Susan relocated to their beloved Shenandoah Valley, becoming active members of the R. E. Lee Episcopal Church, where Stephen oversaw the monthly Men's Breakfast, served on the Stewardship Committee, and conducted Morning Prayers. He also served as the Secretary for Lexington Sunrise Rotary Club.

Whenever time permitted, Stephen could be found walking either the Chessie Nature Trail or Woods Creek Trail with his wife.

In addition to his immediate family, Stephen is survived by his siblings, Michael Denson, David Denson, Kay Denson, Rosemary Miller, Beth-Boyd Blair, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2014 at R. E. Lee Episcopal Church in Lexington, Va. with the Reverend Tom Crittenden officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rockbridge Area Relief Association or the Rockbridge Area Health Center.

Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Va.