Orville Dean Stonebraker, affectionately known as "Stoney," passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born on March 6, 1935, in Kansas City, Kansas, to the late Orville Dale and Mary Frances (Cashin) Stonebraker. Stoney was a beloved, thoughtful, and witty individual who touched many lives.
Stoney was a graduate of Arsenal Tech High School, where he excelled in basketball and track & field. He served in the Indiana National Guard and began his business career when Edison Brothers Shoes opened a Chandler's Shoes in the Glendale Mall, recruiting him to oversee and operate the new location. His father, Orville Stonebraker, Sr., was vice president and partner in Haag Drug Store and The Huddle Restaurants located throughout the greater Indianapolis area, which sparked Stoney's interest and passion for the restaurant and hospitality business. In the years following, he purchased and established Stoney's English Hearth Restaurant at the Ramada Inn on Shadeland Avenue, acquired Laughner's Cafeteria at 10th and Emerson, renaming it Stonebraker's Cafeteria, and acquired Stoney's Liquors, an eastside landmark he owned and operated with his son Bryan for 50 years. Stoney spent many years supporting and serving the Irvington community, always leaving a smile with his sense of humor and wit.
Stoney enjoyed playing golf and an occasional card game with friends and trips to the track to watch the “ponies”. He appreciated the quietness of fishing and never passed on watching an IU or Notre Dame game or his Colts and Pacers. He had a fondness for a quality cigar and a snifter of bourbon, and his Cadillac always had "something special in the trunk for ya."
Stoney leaves behind a legacy greater than any business accomplishment in that of his 8 children, 15 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Terry Russell (Al), Bryan Stonebraker (Annette), Craig Stonebraker (Lisamarie), Shannon Stonebraker Griffey (Scott), Scott Stonebraker (April), Ryan Stonebraker (Stephanie) and Mary Heimer (Drew) as well as his beloved dog Bob. Stoney was predeceased by his son, Kelly Stonebraker (Donnie); siblings, Dale, Sr., Leroy, and Rosemary; life companion Judith Bardonner and former wife, Billie Jean Stonebraker.
Visitation will be held at Leppert Mortuaries – Nora Chapel, located at 740 East 86th St, Indianapolis, Indiana, on November 3, 2025, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. A funeral service will follow at the same location, beginning at 2:00 pm. Interment follows at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Cemetery.
The Man, The Myth, The Legend, O.D. Stoney Stonebraker will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him...
