Paul D. Stone

Paul was born January 12, 1945 in Provo, Utah to Gerald and Grace Stone. Paul was the youngest of four children. He had two older brothers Conrad and David and one sister Juanita. He grew up in a family full of love and dedication to faith. Family vacations and gatherings were the highlight of his childhood. The importance of family was distilled in Paul from a young age.

Paul started his grocery career at the young age of eight where he worked in his father’s grocery store. He started off as the manager of the bottle room where he earned a whopping 10 cents an hour. He continued working in his father’s grocery store until the age of sixteen and had many different positions along the way. He always attributed his father for teaching him the ins and outs of the grocery industry. At sixteen he landed a job with Albertson’s grocery chain. He continued working for Albertson’s all through high school and through college while attending Brigham Young University. At the age of eighteen Paul took a short break from his grocery career and enlisted in the Army where he went to basic training at Fort Ord in California. He faithfully served his country in the Army Reserve for ten years during the Vietnam War. After basic training Paul returned to Albertsons where he moved up the ranks moving to Santa Rosa, California as a store director. In 1970 he moved back to Utah and went to work for Carnation/Nestle in sales. He moved across the country with Carnation/Nestle making numerous lasting friendships at each new location. Finally he ended up in Southern California as District Manager over the L.A. sales division. Paul retired from Nestle in 2000 after 30 years with the company.

Paul married his childhood sweetheart Bonnie White. Paul courted Bonnie through high school and were married on August 6, 1964. After thirteen years of marriage Paul was blessed with a son Christopher in 1977.

Paul was a longtime advocate of Olive Crest homes for abused children. He worked tirelessly to raise money in their name and help the cause.

Paul loved life, loved people, and was a friend to everyone he crossed paths with. We will miss his keen wit, intellect, teasing nature, sense of humor, and his wise advice. Paul’s favorite pastime during his retirement was watching his grandson Landon grow and spending every moment possible with him. He loved watching Landon play soccer and baseball. Paul was awarded the name “Papa Paul” by Landon’s friends and teammates and was loved by all the kids. Paul prided himself in being at every one of Landon’s events growing up.

Paul was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and loved the Lord. He served at his church and served his community.

Paul is survived by his wife Bonnie of 58 years, his son Christopher and grandson Landon. Preceding him in death are his parents Gerald and Grace Stone, his brothers Conrad Stone, David Stone and his sister Juanita Clark.

Paul was an amazing husband, father and grandfather. His sense of humor has raised the spirits of us all. He will live on in the hearts of those lives he has touched.