Richard “Ryck” W. Stout, 82, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, in Wilmington, Delaware.
Born on March 31, 1943 to Virginia and Norman Stout in Dinuba, California, Ryck pursued a lifelong passion for science and learning. He graduated from Orosi High School in Orosi, California, and continued his education at the College of the Sequoias, UCLA, and SUNY Binghamton. His distinguished career included work as a research chemist at Yale University School of Medicine and later as a chemist at DuPont Medical Products, where he was awarded several U.S. patents.
Ryck proudly served two tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Navy. His commitment to service extended beyond the military into his professional and personal life.
He shared 56 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Shirley Wyrsch Stout. Together they raised their son, Mark Stout, and welcomed daughter-in-law Sara Stout into their family. Ryck cherished his time with grandchildren Maddyn and Charlotte Stout.
A man of many interests, Ryck was an avid gardener and active member of the American Hemerocallis Society. Alongside Shirley, he served as both an Exhibition Judge and Garden Judge for daylily flower shows across many states. Ryck was highly proud of his daylily garden at home, which produced hundreds of blossoms each season, and was always fond of giving tours to friends. He also enjoyed competitive chess at clubs in New Haven and New York City, summer vacations with family in Ocean City, Maryland, watching movies, reading history books, visiting historical landmarks, and dancing. In his youth, he found joy in camping and fishing trips to Kings Canyon National Park.
He was a devoted member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Wilmington for over 45 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1314 Foulk Rd. Wilmington, DE 19803. Visitations begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon afterward in Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Daylily Society’s Mabel Matthews Endowment Scholarship Fund, PO Box 65, St. Matthews, SC 29135.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him
