Kenneth W. Stone Sr.

He was born on September 28, 1928 at General #2 Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri to the union of George and Bertha Stone. Kenneth W. Stone, Sr. was the second in birth order to four children.

Kenneth W. Stone, Sr. was preceded in death by beloved wife of 68 years, Mary Virginia Johnson Stone, his parents, George Stone and Bertha Stone. His sister Bertha Taylor his two brothers Josep Stone and George (Flora) Stone, Jr., and a son, James Paul (Sarah) Parker.

Kenneth W. Stone, Sr. is survived by his son, Kenneth Waldo Stone, Jr. and his daughter, Saundra Lee Hayes.

Kenneth W. Stone, Sr. served in the United States Army from June 26, 1946 to June 7, 1949 in the 10th Infantry Division. He was based in Hawaii and played the saxophone in the United States Army band for part of his tenure in the United States Army. After the military, he continued his Government service at the United States Postal Service, starting in 1950 and he retired in 1983. He received a 36 years of dedicated service retirement certificate on September 28, 1983.

Kenneth W. Stone, Sr. did not stop working after retirement, he was employed for 25 years with Pinkerton Security and obtained the rank of Captain. He was the supervisor for 150-200 Crossing Guard employees for the entire Metropolitan Kansas City area public and private schools.

He was an active member of St. Luke’s AME Church in Westport, where he and his wife Mary Virginia Stone maintained the lawn and the cleanliness of the church every Saturday. He stated in one of his journals when he attended a Billy Graham crusade that he felt the presence of The Lord and he saved many of his newspaper articles.

Kind, gentle soul, nice, sweet, funny, smart, big heart, fun and loving are just a few of the character traits that describe Kenneth W. Stone, Sr. He was the perfect spouse, father, grandfather (Laddy) brother and uncle. Everything about him exuded encouragement and positive motivation. He loved cooking for his family and some of his favorite dishes was his signature fried chicken, fish and he always made the perfect breakfast! There was never a holiday without Laddy’s touch of the good candy, toys and the train decoration and the dancing santas on the fireplace at Christmas. Laddy was the king of birthday celebrations and decorations for the entire family. He was also the best camera man and videographer and over thousands of memories were captured that will be cherished forever. The family tree in his journal was always updated when a new baby was born into the family. He would always say the first and middle name to ALL his kids and grandchildren.

Crossword puzzles and word searches was his daily routine after breakfast along with a good hot cup of instant coffee. He loved the Twilight Zone and any good horror movie, western movies (Shane was his favorite), Michael Jackson’s Thriller was played ALL day on Halloween which was also one of his favorite holidays. There was never a time when you entered the house on Halloween and Laddy did not have a scary animated creature jumping out at you when you entered the back door. He was the Kansas City Chiefs #1 fan and what a blessing to see the excitement on his face when they FINALLY won a Super Bowl in 2019 after 50 years! He loved Willie Mays and would often refer to his quotes as a mantra of encouragement.

Left to cherish his memory is his Daughter, Saundra Lee (James) Hayes; Son, Kenneth (Vickie) Waldo Stone, Jr.; 10 Grandchildren, Damon (Angela) Kent Hayes; Michelle Dunmore, Stephanie Parker, Stacey (Herman) Callands, Sharonda Jordan, Craig (Renee) Hayes, Shinda (Phillip) Starr, Ian (Audrey) Hayes, Malika (Shaun) Stone, Darren (Kendra) Stone; 25 Great Grandchildren, Micah Sean, Brittany, Keiya, Joshua, DeAndre, Asia, Carlos, Londyn, Porsha, Angel, Jeremiah, Tiffany, Derek, Lance, D’Anthony, Laila, Bella, Cameron, Parker, Ian Maximus, Logan, Lucas, Kylie, Kennedy and Alexander; 10 Great Great Grandchildren, Khalil, Za’Vyana, Za’Vion, Kylee, Taraji, Jayden, Jordan, Jonah, Torrie and Savannah.

He also left to cherish her memory a host of nieces and nephews and very close family members, John and Helen Walker, Farrah Walker and her daughter Taylor Easterwood.

OUR LOVING TRITUBE TO KENNETH WALDO STONE, SR. (LADDY)

Damon Kent Hayes

As we celebrate the home going of Kenneth W. Stone, fondly called Laddy, I’m assured that on July 2 at 0152, he heard the trumpet sound and the Lord God said “Kenneth, well done good and faithful servant enter into your rest”. We have all been blessed to receive his unconditional love, generosity, acts of kindness, and unwavering affirmation. I especially appreciated that whenever I saw him or called, he would always excitedly say “my number 1 grandson”! He would greet me with a warm embrace and say I’m so proud of you and I love you. I thank God each time I think of Laddy and the unconditional love that he continually expressed to each of his family members and everyone he encountered.

Stacey Lee Callands (Hayes)

When I was a little girl, I would call Laddy “Daddy”. My Dad and Laddy would both answer when they were in the same room. So, I had to come up with another name. I loved my Grandpa so much that I took the “L” for LOVE and replaced it with the “D” in daddy and that is why we all call the best grandpa in the world LADDY. It is because you exude genuine love. You spoiled each one of us with love, attention and a lot of candy, sody pop and toys! I have so many fond memories that I will cherish forever in my heart. I thank God for choosing me to be one of your granddaughters. I LOVE YOU LADDY!

Saundra Lee Hayes

Daddy is my hero, a man with a big heart, it had to be to hold all the ones he loved…and all those who loved him. Some things never end…like love, memories, and the legacy of a life that meant so much. His memory lives on in who he was, in how he lived, and in who I am because of him. His love is still with me and I can’t wait to see that smile, feel that big hug and hear you say, “That’s my daughter.” Love you forever Daddy, see you in heaven!

Britany Nicole Burke (Hayes)

There are so many memories when thinking about my life with Laddy and of course they were always happy. Every time I saw or talked to Laddy he always called me "Britany Nicole, how are you big girl?" He never was one to stay on the phone long when you called because I used to tease and say that he thought it was a bomb ready to go off like Mission Impossible. I can hear his alarm clock that would wake me up at 4 am when he was working, and I would lay in bed hoping he was making his famous breakfasts. I remember laying at the foot of the bed watching his favorite movies on repeat Shane, John Wayne, Looney Tunes, and of course the Wizard of Oz. Or sitting across from him at the kitchen table waiting for him to finish the comics because everyone knew that you cannot read those before him.

It is said that people have a love language and I think Laddy's love language was food because he was always cooking. I remember when I lived with them and Laddy would be frying potatoes and helping me with my math homework at the same time. I can still picture his big knife sharpening my pencils and him listening to my math problems and saying the answers like a math whiz. I remember him in Montgomery Ward’s sneaking off with Micah and coming back with cherry limeades and some popcorn from Topsy’s (of course). I remember him saving the Kool aid packets and always buying some toy that he gave me or the other grandkids. Laddy also showed me how to recycle soda cans so I can get money and he would take that money and buy a huge bag of snacks.

I forgot to mention Laddy’s skills as a photographer and videographer of the family. I'm sure he has so many tapes and pictures we could start a museum. As I got older, I was lucky to live with them a second time and that was when I was able to help them as much as they helped me. I always told myself I was going to marry someone like Laddy and I was able to meet Stan who is like Laddy loving, caring, patient, a great cook, and a great man. Laddy was always there for me by talking to me or to provide a battery from his huge bag of batteries. Love always.

Ian Amos Hayes

He was the kindest, most gentle soul I have ever had the pleasure of being in the presence of. He made me take stock of how I treated others, and I constantly aspire to treat them the way he would have. I am grateful to have that type of influence in my life especially during my formative years, and throughout my life.

Jeremiah Tate Palmer

One thing that I remember about my beloved grandfather is he loved it when I would argue my points to get my way. He would tell me, “Boy, you love to argue to get your point across, you should be the next Johnnie Cochran!” Instead of Jeremiah, he always called me Johnnie Cochran. I promise you Laddy, I will make you proud and become an advocate for the cause!

Sharonda Ladette Jordan (Parker)

Kenneth Stone my loving grandfather a wonderful kind and God fearing man in many ways. He was the most wonderful husband and family man, who loved his family and grandchildren with all his heart; and he was always there for us, showing us his incredible good-hearted nature. When family was together, he gave us the best hospitality, always ready to cook for you if you were hungry or not. He was the family picture man, always taking good pictures of the family with his great smile. My grandfather had such a beautiful spirit and he always spoke good words and made everyone around him feel comfortable. He lived a long-blessed life and until I see him again in glory; I have been very blessed to have such a man and grandfather in my life, who I will always dearly love. ~ Granddaughter Sharonda Jordan

Craig Allen Hayes

Words cannot describe how important this man was in the lives of our family growing up and continuing into adulthood as we started families of our own. Laddy was the kindest, happiest and most loyal man I have ever met in my life. He loved his entire family above all else. Laddy accepted you no matter what and accepted your choice of friends, wives, husbands, children or anyone else you brought the house at 4332 Benton Blvd. With love and deepest affections; Craig, Renee, Tiffany and Derek…we love you!

Malika Patrice Stone (Trecie)

When I was a kid Mamanem would always fix me too much breakfast most of the time it was oatmeal and when she went to the bedroom, Laddy always came to the rescue got my bowl and raked almost all of it out down the garbage disposal so when she checked she always thought I was eating it!

Shaun Hill

Whenever I came over to see them Laddy always said, “Come on in here Shaun and let's have a shot.” then he would ask “When is the next time you getting on the grill?”, because I always made sure we took a plate over to him and Mamanem!

Bella Stone-Hill

I like when Mamanem left me in charge to make sure Laddy was eating the right foods and drinks. I thought it was fun!

Laila Stone-Hill

One thing I will remember about Laddy is during the summer we would sit in the backyard with a box of walnuts and crack them and then eat a bunch!

D’Anthony Steward-Stone

I will always remember Laddy always making sure I knew he loved me all the time and how as a kid he would buy me Pokémon cards I had over a thousand when I outgrew that phase because of him.

John, Helen, Farrah Walker and Taylor Easterwood

Laddy, we will continue to hold you and Mamanem in our hearts until we can hold you again in heaven. Thank you for generations of your love & support! Love, your Walker-Taylor family (John, Helen, Farrah, & Taylor)

Stanley (Britany) Burke

I didn’t have the benefit of knowing either of my grandfather’s growing up and it has been a void that I have felt the better part of my life. Seven years ago, I was introduced to Mr. Stone when I started to date my wife. From the first time I met Laddy his warmth, wisdom and concern for his family left a great impression on me and helped me to fill that void. I will always be grateful for him taking me in and accepting me into his family. I will always be grateful for the example he has given me. I will miss him.

Herman (Stacey) Callands

I am glad that I was able to be around such a distinguished gentleman. A good father, husband and grandfather. Rest in peace, you are a strong soldier!

Stephanie Marchelle Parker

My granddad Kenneth Stone was truly one of a kind, truly amazing. He was the sweetest man ever. We were so blessed to have him as long as we did. He never said anything negative about anyone. He had such a loving spirit. The most important thing to him was his family. He was always there to help us when we needed him. He was good to all of us. He was genuine through and through. I appreciate all that he was and all that he did for us until we see him again. Love Always, Stephanie Marchelle Parker

Angel Joy (Palmer) Taylor

Laddy you would always like to watch Britany and I perform. You helped us collect Kool Aid points from the packets so we could get good prizes. It was such a blessing to have such a sweet great grandpa in my life.