Edwin "Paul" Stone Jr.

On July 11, 1947, God blessed us with Paul. Edwin “Paul” Stone Jr. was the firstborn child of Lois Mae Stone and Edwin Paul Stone Sr – both of whom he loved and cherished dearly. As the eldest of six children, he naturally stepped into the role of protector, mentor, and trailblazer for his younger siblings: Brenda, Edna, Tony, Keith, and Lela Mae.

Paul graduated from Shortridge High School in 1965, where he excelled on the basketball court. With a spirit that commanded attention, Paul was well known in his hometown. By all definitions, Paul was incredibly intelligent and astute. A lifelong believer in education, Paul attended Indiana University, where he studied accounting.

In 1967, he was drafted into the United States Army to fight in the Vietnam War. He was on the frontlines of combat; in fact, leading point to protect other soldiers. He served with incredible bravery and courage and received a Purple Heart for his sacrifice – one of the military’s highest honors.

On January 11, 1969, he married the love of his life, Sandra (Turner) Stone. They later gave birth to two sons, Edwin “Paul” Stone III (1970) and Marcus Jermaine Stone (1973). In 1979, Paul moved his family to Atlanta, GA where they would later own and operate a successful video store in College Park.

Early in his career he worked for the IRS and Prudential Insurance company prior to having a remarkable career with the United States Postal Service. He started off as a mail handler but rose through the ranks to become the Manager of Customer Service. His exceptional leadership led to him being appointed Postmaster of Union City, Georgia on February 19, 1994, becoming the first Black Postmaster in the city's history. Paul was well respected in the community and known as an inspiration to many. His accomplishments opened doors for others and demonstrated what was possible through hard work, integrity, and perseverance. He taught by example—illustrating the value of education, determination, and forward thinking. As he often told his boys, “If you are too afraid to succeed you will be successful at nothing”.

Paul is known for his wit, intelligence, and always staying abreast of current events, as he would often watch the news and start his day with a cup of black coffee and Morning Joe.

To his family, Paul was much more than his accomplishments. He was the storyteller, the advisor, the encourager, and the steady presence who showed up when it mattered most or the much-needed comic relief when times were hard and laughter was the best medicine. He loved to dance, enjoyed playing cards, and never missed an opportunity to have a little fun. His infectious smile, quick wit, and welcoming spirit could make any room feel lighter – he was the life of the party.

To know Paul is to know that he LOVED his family. Born to one of the largest families in Indiana, Paul was proud to be a Stone and spent a lot of time with his hosts of cousins and friends.

Having given his life to God, Paul was baptized at Community Life Line Church. His faith was reflected not only in what he believed, but in how he treated others—with kindness, generosity, compassion, and unwavering love for his family.

On June 16, 2026, surrounded by love and family, Edwin “Paul” Stone Jr. answered God’s call and entered into eternal rest. While his earthly journey has come to an end, his life marked by service, bravery, and resilience leaves behind not only cherished memories, but a legacy that will continue to shape generations to come.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in knowing that his influence remains woven into their lives. He leaves behind his sons, Paul and Marcus, his siblings, Edna, Keith, and Lela, 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra (Turner) Stone; his parents, Lois Stone and Edwin Paul Stone Sr.; his sister, Brenda; his brother Anthony; and all those loved ones who welcomed him into eternal rest. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Military Service and Honors

Like his father who served in the military during World War II, Paul served in the United States Armed Forces. In 1967, Paul was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War and was inducted into the United States Army on July 17th,1967. He served courageously during the Vietnam War as an Infantry Operations and Intelligence Specialist, rising to the rank of Specialist Four (SP4). Paul served in direct combat and was on the front lines of the war and received the Combat Infantryman Badge. He was exceptionally skilled in handling both the M-14 and M-16 rifles and received the Sharpshooter and Marksman Badge. He also received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Paul didn’t just serve in the infantry, he received specialized Scout Dog training and served with exceptional courage, helping to protect fellow soldiers through one of the military’s most dangerous assignments. He can be seen pictured with the dog who he loved dearly and would later note as the one who saved his life (God clearly had a lot more planned for him). During one of these assignments, he was wounded in action with the dog protecting him. Paul received the Purple Heart for his sacrifice, one of the nation’s highest military honors.

Although a proud veteran, Paul often interrogated the politics behind the war and always remained active and engaged in politics, social issues, and protections for veterans, especially Black veterans who he said, “came back and had to fight another war”.

Paul often pushed the government to show up with the same bravery and courage as him and his countless friends who served alongside him – many of whom never made it back home.

Visitation will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, on June 27, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, on June 27, 2026, at 12:00 pm.