Robert Donald Stone

Don was born on June 7, 1934, in Quincy, Illinois, to Robert Edward and Hallie Fox Stone. He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1957 and was a proud “Mizzou Tiger.” Throughout Junior High, High School, and at the University Don played in the marching bands and performed in multiple orchestras.

He launched his career as a mechanical engineer at Chance Vought Aircraft in Grand Prairie, Texas, where he began his work at the High-Speed Wind Tunnel, then promoted on to work most of his career on classified aeronautics and space programs that allowed him to travel the world. He loved sharing stories from his travels to Kenya, Germany, Greece, and many other beautiful places. When he returned home from each trip, he often brought back gifts, photographs, and stories to share, later delighting his family with slide shows of the people and places he had seen.

Don always said he wasn’t born in Texas, but he got here as fast as he could, and he remained with the same company through its many transitions and buyouts, retiring from Lockheed Martin in 1995.

He was also proud to have recently been recognized for his 65-year membership in Sam R. Hamilton Masonic Lodge #1031, where he served in various roles through the years. He also served as a volunteer with the Grand Prairie Genealogical Society, as a firearms safety instructor with the National Rifle Association, and served on the board of his neighborhood homeowners association.

Don was an avid car enthusiast who could identify the year, make, and model of almost any car, and he had the same remarkable knowledge of aircraft. He was a serious student of history, with an extraordinary ability to recall dates, battles, commanders, and historical events. He also knew the Constitution of the United States inside and out. Don enjoyed repairing small engines and could fix practically anything.

Above all, Don was proud of his family. He loved his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he supported their many interests with love, encouragement, and presence. He attended church, city, school, and extracurricular events, including athletic games, band and drill team performances, dance recitals, graduations, and awards ceremonies. He took genuine pride in each achievement and celebrated the lives of those he loved.

Don is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lee Ann Ayars Stone; his daughters, Debbie Stone Schrade and Dianne Stone Hranicky (Chaka Williams), daughters of Don and Donell Levall Hix (John); and Erin Stone Zerhusen (Anthony), daughter of Don and Lee Ann Stone. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Kelly Stone Morris (Steve) and Kristen Stone Rios (LCDR Frankie Rios, USN Ret.).

Don is also survived by his grandchildren, Mallory Schrade Hines (Shane), Samantha Morris Gaskill (Scott), Blair Schrade, Hanna Hranicky Knoepfel (Chris), Kendall Morris, Spencer Rios (Virginia), Zachary Morris (Rebekah), Madison Rios, and Parker Rios; and his great-grandchildren, Shelby Rios, Sydney Rios, Charley Gaskill, SJ Rios, and Peyton Gaskill.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Edward and Hallie Emma Fox Stone; his brother, Ronald Fox “Tim” Stone; and his nephew, Timothy “Tim” Stone; and his faithful companions Callie and Quincy, the Dachshunds.

Services

Visitation and Reception will be held on Wednesday, June 3rd from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 12:00 p.m. at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home, located at 2951 S. Belt Line Road, Grand Prairie, Texas.

The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Methodist Mansfield Hospital 5th Floor staff, Heart to Heart Hospice, Visiting Angels, family, and friends for their care, compassion, and support.

The family welcomes flowers, and those who wish to make a contribution in Don’s honor may donate to Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas, Texas (www.scottishriteforchildren.org), or The Grand Prairie Genealogical Society (www.gpgstx.org).