Don was born on Nov. 26, 1933, to Donald Leslie Stone, Sr. and Cheryl Wagner Stone. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kaye Berkey Ellis Stone; two daughters, Jennifer Stone and Sara Klotz; son-in-law, Layton Alan Klotz; grandson, Andrew Klotz; and granddaughter, Emily Klotz. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Leslie Stone, Sr.; his mother, Cheryl Wagner Stone; and his first wife and mother of their two daughters, Kathleen Peck Stone.
Don graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, MN; obtained his bachelor’s degree from Hamline University, St. Paul, MN; completed his degree in theology at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, TX; and received an MBA from the University of Houston. He was also licensed as a CPA for many years.
The first chapter of Don Stone’s career was as a Methodist minister, serving in both Minnesota and Texas. He moved on to a career in business, until he retired after 22 years of service with the Rectorseal Corporation in Houston. He was first hired into Rectorseal to transfer all accounts into a computer system, and he set up programming that was used for many years in that company. He hired and supervised numerous employees over the years, many of whom stayed on and made their careers with the company. Don was also involved in the acquisition by Rectorseal of a number of other companies, which greatly expanded its footprint and grew its sales, product lines, and gross margins.
After retirement from Rectorseal, Don further pursued his lifelong interest in genealogy and joined many genealogically based organizations. His involvement with the Freedom chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution included service as its President, as local, regional, and then State color guard commander; and with the State archives committee, where he was instrumental in compiling and publishing a new volume of history of the State Society covering several decades. He was also active in the Mayflower Society, Houston chapter; the Order of Founders and Patriots; the Society of Colonial Wars; the War of 1812 Society; and a number of other genealogical groups.
Although many years have passed since Don’s service as an active Methodist pastor, he remained a faithful Methodist, including his time as a member of Bellaire United Methodist Church and later on, First Methodist Conroe during the past several decades. He was especially devoted to the Beacon class at FMC, serving as one of its Sunday school teachers.
Don’s funeral service will be conducted at First Methodist Conroe at 10:30 AM on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, followed by burial in Forest Park Cemetery in South Montgomery County. Visitation at Metcalf funeral home will take place from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.
Contributions in memoriam may be made to First Methodist Conroe; the Mayflower Society, Houston chapter; the Freedom chapter, Sons of the American Revolution; or any charity of one’s choice.
Many thanks to the caregivers at Methodist and St. Luke’s hospitals; Broadmoor Creekside; and the personal aides who watched over him, especially Susan, Bunmi and Lawina.
