Virgil DuWayne Stone

Virgil DuWayne Stone, passed away October 18, 2015. Virgil was a Christian. He believed in the Lord with all his heart and put his time and talents toward furthering His Kingdom. Virgil was born in Henrietta, Texas, April 29, 1925 Virgil DuWayne Stone was an oilman. You could tell it by the hats he wore: one ornate hardhat made specially for him by his crew and one Stetson- that's what oilmen wear. You could tell it by the pictures and articles, including the cover of Time Magazine, showered with praise of a job well done, you could tell with the record held for the fastest drilling times recorded.. You can tell it by many patents awarded to him; you could tell it by his convictions. Virgil felt that The Lord had given the world a source of energy, like many other gifts, Virgil intended to use them well. In doing so, he mandated safety, cleanliness and Keydrill Company was the engine. "Keydrill Clean" was the motto and "Keydrill Green" became the color all around the seas of the world. Virgil is a veteran of the United States Navy, signing while still in High School and proudly served his country for two years and six months. He returned to school, obtaining a degree from The University of Oklahoma in Petroleum Engineering. Virgil then went to work for Gulf Oil Corporation in the New Orleans area in 1949. Attending his first Mardi Gras Ball, he was invited to escort Miss Patricia Rhodes, a blind date. From the first moment he laid eyes on Pat, his breath was taken away. All he could say was “ WOW”. From that day forward he felt like the luckiest man on the planet. They married on January 3, 1950- originally planned for the 2nd, delayed one day due to the The Sugar Bowl game that year between OU and LSU, the law did not allow football to be played on Sundays back then (and if your alma matter is playing in the Sugar Bowl- you go.) The marriage survived a wonderful 65 years, despite the delay. Virgil's greatest pleasures were his seven grandchildren, "The Seven Stars," and he was rewarded by them with a famous Stone family motto, "Grandfathers first!" He was last working on honoring four great grandchildren and three more on the way! Virgil is pre-deceased by: parents, Virgil and Elizabeth Stone, two infant siblings and his beloved daughter, Alicia (Lisa) Stone. He is survived by: his wife, Patricia Stone. His children, Michael Stone, Janet Downie and their spouses. His "Seven Stars" and their spouses, as well as his seven great grandchildren. Virgil’s greatest wish for his family and friends was that we would know the joy of a relationship with our Heavenly Father. Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for HE is good! For HIS Mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1. A Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at 2:30pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 800 Houston Ave., Houston, Texas 77007. A graveside service will follow at Trinity Lutheran cemetery, 600 Sawler St., Houston, Texas 77007