Jack R. Stone

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and dear friend, Jack R. Stone. Jack, of Bristol, Indiana, was called home by God on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at the age of 93.

Jack was born on his grandmother's farm in Elkhart, Indiana, on July 27, 1931, to Helen (Hummel) and Raymond D. Stone. Jack graduated from Elkhart High School in 1950. He went on to proudly serve in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War. As a member of Fighter Squadron VF173 Jesters, Jack traveled the world, earned the title of Blue Nose for crossing into the North Arctic, and became a Shellback for crossing the equator.

On July 3, 1954, Jack married the love of his life, Floralee (Lee) Patton, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Chicago, Illinois. Together, they built a beautiful family with three children: Linda (Tom) Love, Gregory (Lynn) Stone and Diane Faus. Their legacy grew to include nine grandchildren: Joshua Stone (Ernie Valdes), Heidi (Ben) Gordon, Melia (Bugsie) Taylor, Michael (Samantha) Love, Erin (Christopher) Irwin, Melissa (Brant) Grzeskowiak, Zachary Faus, Nick (Daisy) Faus and Blake (Shawntel) Faus; as well as five great-grandchildren: Henry and Evelyn Irwin, and Reagan and Skylar Gordon, and Jackson Taylor.

Jack dedicated his life to teaching his family kindness, love and the importance of pursuing their dreams. He instilled in them the value of focusing on what truly matters to achieve their goals.

For those fortunate enough to know Jack, he was a kind, generous and optimistic gentleman who cherished attending his children's and grandchildren's extracurricular activities, no matter where they were.

Jack enjoyed a long and fulfilling career with AEP, retiring in 1993 after 38 years of service. He was also a life member of VFW Post 985, Elks Lodge 425, and I&M VREA. His dedication to his community extended to coaching both boys' and girls' teams at Osolo Little League, where he left a lasting impact on many young lives.

Jack was preceded in death by his infant daughter, his parents and his sister, Phyllis Jean Johnson.

Jack's viewing will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3,, at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1405 N. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46514 where friends may visit from 10 to 11 am. Burial will follow at Rice Cemetery, Elkhart, with full military honors.

Memorials for Jack may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org, or to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60707, www.Shriners Hospital childrens.org, or to St. Thomas Catholic Church, www.stthomaselkhart.com, or to the charity of the donors choice. Online condolences may be made at www. stemmlawsonpeterson.com.

Jack will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.