Dick Stoner

Dick Stoner, beloved magician and Fort Wayne legend, took his final bow on November 10, 2026, at the age of 96. The longtime owner of Stoner’s Funstore had one last vanishing act up his sleeve, leaving us with a lifetime of memories and stories to tell.

Dick was born April 4, 1930 (as he would say, “just 3 days from being a fool!”), in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Albert and Lydia Stoner. He first stepped on stage at the age of three as an assistant in his father’s magic act, beginning a lifelong career as an entertainer.

By the time he graduated from Central High School in 1948, he was already a seasoned performer. At his father’s suggestion, the family opened Stoner’s Magic Shop at 712 South Harrison Street on May 2, 1949. The shop was truly a family affair, with his parents, his sister Marge, and brother-in-law Elmer all working together.

In 1951, Dick “volunteered to be drafted” to serve Uncle Sam in the Korean War. When his Army superiors discovered he was a magician, he was soon put to work entertaining his fellow soldiers across the U.S. and as far as the Arctic Circle. After winning first place in an Army talent show, he traveled to New York City to perform live on The Steve Allen Show in 1953.

Upon returning home, Dick became the regional host of The Mickey Mouse Club TV show on Channel 21 and Laurel & Hardy’s Magic Castle on Channel 15, establishing his status as a local celebrity. Many in Fort Wayne will recall Dick performing at their schools, churches, holiday parties and countless other local events.

Dick often found himself on stage at Buck Lake Ranch in Angola, performing alongside the likes of Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, and Faron Young.

Soon he was traveling coast to coast, performing at trade shows and tailoring his magic act to promote the products and services of various companies. It was at one of these shows, the 1969 National Restaurant Show, that he met his wife, De. They married in 1971 and moved into an apartment above the magic shop.

Together, Dick and De expanded the store from a small magic shop to a “Funstore,” carrying costumes, masks, wigs, makeup, and various theatrical supplies. The store has become a staple of downtown Fort Wayne, satisfying the public’s taste for the unusual and offbeat ever since.

Always looking for a new opportunity to share his magic, Dick took on the role of Ronald McDonald and spent many years performing throughout the area. As Ronald, he helped celebrate McDonald’s grand openings, appeared in parades, and visited hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Dick’s work as Ronald moved him deeply. He often recalled the time he visited a sick child who had refused his pain medication because, “I don’t need that when Ronald’s here!”

Over the years, Dick performed regularly on national TV, most notably on The Nashville Network, where he befriended and worked alongside Ralph Emery, Mickey Gilley, the Statler Brothers, and many more. Another career highlight came when Dick performed at Muhammad Ali’s 50th birthday.

Dick was a longtime member and trustee of the First Baptist Church of Fort Wayne, past president of the Anthony Wayne Lions Club, and mischievous member of the Main Street Clam Chowder Marching Society.

He was an honorary lifetime member of the Fort Wayne Magicians Club, Ring #221 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. The ring was named the Albert & Dick Stoner Ring in honor of Dick and his father. A 72-year member of the IBM, Dick earned the Order of Merlin Excelsior distinction.

Dick proved that getting older doesn’t mean slowing down. In April 2024, he took his Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in recognition of his military service. He performed at a magic show and block party commemorating Stoner’s 75th year in business in June 2024, where he was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by the State of Indiana. His final onstage appearance came later that year, performing with Old Crow Medicine Show at the Embassy Theatre at the age of 94. In March 2026, Dick was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne.

Over 96 remarkable years, Dick touched the lives of family and friends, customers who came into his shop, audiences who watched him perform, and generations of magicians he inspired.

We can only imagine what Dick and his best friend and fellow magician, Don Hall, are up to now that they are together again in heaven. If there’s a little more laughter and mischief up there now, we have a pretty good idea who’s behind it.

Dick will be deeply missed by his family, who will carry on the traditions he cherished: magic, laughter, and all things fun.

Dick is survived by his wife of 55 years, Deanna; his sons, Kevin (Ken Jacobson) Stoner and Patrick Stoner; his daughter, Georgia (Andy) Haines of Fort Wayne; and his daughter-in-law, Penny Stoner of Lexington, Kentucky. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Josie (Jason) Threm of Burns, Tennessee, and Colin, Reese, and Gavin Haines, all of Fort Wayne. His surviving family also includes his great-grandchildren, Layne and Linley Threm; his brother-in-law, Elmer Smith; and sister-in-law, Fran (Jim) Meadows.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Marjorie Smith; three infant siblings; and his son, Steve Stoner.

The Stoner family would like to thank Bryan at Post Modern Barbershop, the caring staff at St. Anne’s, and the team at Parkview Hospice for the kindness and compassion they showed Dick during his final act. The family is also grateful to everyone who sent cards and well wishes.

Visitation hours are 2-4PM, and 5-8PM on Monday, November 16, 2026 at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home - Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne. Funeral service is Noon, Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at the funeral home, with calling one hour prior. Internment at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. In honor of Dick, the family asks that visitors forgo black attire in favor of anything that is bright, colorful, and fun.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dick’s honor to the Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Indiana or to the Fort Wayne Magicians Club. Gifts to the club will help encourage young people to discover and learn the art of magic.