Thomas J. Stone

Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall, everyone looked up to Joe Stone but it wasn’t because of his height. As a man of God, Joe had a deep and abiding faith and worked and served his church until he no longer had the strength to do so. As an educator, he taught effectively, but mixed in a good measure of wit and sincere care for his students. As a father, one moment he could give “the look” to his sons that kept them on the straight and narrow, but in the next moment get a gleam in his eyes and flash that million dollar smile. Then you knew all was right in the world and you were truly loved. He showed his sons what a man was supposed to be. Joe was known by his grandchildren and great grandchildren as Papa and they knew there was a special place in his heart reserved just for them. But, his best work was as a husband. Jody, as his wife called him, was of the old school. His job was to protect, provide and care for his wife. This he did with a passion. But his most important job was to love her with a love that filled his heart to bursting. That’s probably why he never called her by her given name. Why use a name when honey, baby or sweetheart fit so much better? If you need someone to look up to, look at Joe Stone. You just have to look a little higher now.

Joe is survived by his wife Leona, his son Terry Stone, son and daughter-in-law Steve and Dianne Stone, grandchildren Stepheny Bennett and her husband Kevin and Amy Popejoy and her husband Ruston, and great grandchildren Brendan, Bryson and Brielee Bennett. He was preceded in death by granddaughter Kristyn Stone.

His memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 4th at Greenlawn Church of Christ. The family suggests memorials be given to Meals on Wheels in lieu of flowers.

Condolences maybe offered at www.resthavenmemorial.com