Dr. Edgar Norman Stone

Dr. Edgar Norman Stone, Professor Emeritus, Northern Arizona University, died Tuesday,September 27th, 2016 in Grapevine, Texas.  He was 85. 

Edgar Stone was born in Brownsville, Texas to Elmer Gibson and Vera Louise (Tabbot) Stone on March 22, 1931.  His family moved several times during the depression and eventually settled in Dallas, Texas.  His father was a builder and his mother had worked as a stenographer for a steamship line.  After the tragic death of his older brother, his mother's consolation was playing the piano with little Edgar by her side, soaking up the songs and hymns. 

Dr. Stone began his music career in the third grade with a $5 violin.  His determination earned him first chair violinist in his high school orchestra, and he sang in choirs and vocal competitions.  He was awarded a full vocal scholarship to North Texas State College in '48.  On his first Sunday there he visited the college Sunday School class at the First Baptist Church in Denton, and he was asked to lead the music. Although he didn't know it, his future wife was in the group.  Soon they were to meet, and he was smitten.  Edgar married Opal Lorraine Brown in 1951.  Within the year he would be leading the music and choirs at First Baptist. His vocation as a Minister of Music would span many decades until his retirement. 

His early teaching career included Choral Director at Ball High School in Galveston, Texas during which time he earned his Master of Music degree. Moving to Carthage, Texas in 1961, he added 'rancher' to his occupations as minister of music and high school choral director.  His three children, Steve, Philip and Cindy thrived, but as they got older he began pursuing his Doctorate of Music in Vocal Performance, finishing his residency at Florida State University in Tallahassee.  Upon completion he was interviewed by the Dean of Music at Northern Arizona University, accepting the new position of Artist in Residence which was created for him.

Dr. Stone spent 23 years at NAU, attaining full professorship and Faculty Emeritus status on his retirement.  In addition to teaching, he acted as an ambassador for the school by appearing in San Francisco Opera productions and maintaining a rigorous recital schedule.  Perhaps his most memorable role was that of Reb Tevye in NAU's production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' in 1992. He retired with Opal to a lakeside home near Dallas.  They enjoyed many wonderful years before Opal passed away in November 2015.  He spent his final year of life blessing a whole new group of friends and staff at Lake Forest Village in Denton, Texas.  He passed away suddenly from heart failure, having eagerly awaited reunion with his beloved wife in heaven.  

Survived by his three children, Steve, Philip (Janet), and Cindy Harrington (Barry), Dr. Stone had eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; and many wonderful friends and relatives in Arizona and Texas.   

The family of Dr. Stone will have a Celebration of Life service on November 5th, 1 pm, at Southmont Baptist Church in Denton Texas.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Edgar Stone Vocal Scholarship fund at NAU (nau.edu/giving, fund #1172).  To read more about Dr. Stone's life and share your stories, or to donate to the fund, please visit his tribute website at EdgarStoneMemorial.com