Lloyd Eldon Stoner

Lloyd Eldon Stoner, age 89, joined his heavenly father on Saturday, October 21, 2023. He passed peacefully during sleep, holding hands with his loving wife of nearly seventy years, JoAnn (Slusser) Stoner.

Lloyd was born on December 20, 1933 to Clyde F. and Iris Irene Stoner, a hard-working middle-class family on Lansing’s south side. A childhood accident left him with only one eye, but Lloyd’s grit and determination meant that most would never suspect the disability, and he never allowed it to limit his spirit or activities. High School years included the development of a lifelong passion for singing, performing in both choir and operettas. He graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1951.

With the Korean War underway, Lloyd volunteered for service in the United States Air Force, and bluffed his way past enlistment medical and eye examinations. He served four months before an injury and infection sent him to the sick bay, where a physician discovered the false eye. Lloyd was honorably discharged.

Back home in Lansing and working at Michigan Miller’s Insurance, Lloyd spotted a cute job candidate waiting for an interview. The young woman noticed Lloyd walking back and forth and was equally smitten. In a few short months, the two courted and committed to a life together. Lloyd Stoner and JoAnn Slusser were married on April 23, 1954, and began a strong and loving family together.

Children followed, and Lloyd and JoAnn doted on daughter Sheila Sue and son Christopher Alan. There were many memorable family trips, regular visits to nearby family farms, active church lives at Potter Park and then Christ United Methodist Church, and the parents always made time for the many activities of Sheila and Chris. Lloyd remained active in athletic pursuits; he was an excellent bowler, played city league softball, swam regularly, and loved golf even achieving a hole-in-one. He was a strong Michigan State University supporter, with football season tickets and a long membership in the Downtown Coaches Club.

In 1975, Lloyd began a career with the Michigan State Police (MSP). He was extremely proud of his service as a civilian administrator with MSP and was the recipient of several honors during his career which spanned twenty years. JoAnn joined him at MSP and both retired from service in 1995.

Retirement years found the couple travelling extensively and exploring England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska and more. Lifelong Lansing residents, they purchased a cozy winter home in Thonotosassa, Florida where they made many great friends. Lloyd enjoyed singing with the choir at New Hope United Methodist Church, entertaining at karaoke nights, playing golf, shuffleboard, and euchre,

Community service was always an important part of life for Lloyd. He was among the most active blood donors EVER in Lansing, delivering more than 26-gallons to the American Red Cross. Lloyd was a volunteer for a variety of church activities, and even served on extended mission trips to work at the United Methodist Sager-Brown Emergency Depot near New Orleans, Louisiana.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, older brothers Donald and Lavon Stoner, and sister Beulah ‘Billie’ Wiegman.

Surviving and celebrating his remarkable life are his wife, JoAnn (Slusser) Stoner, children Sheila (Mark) Crawford and Christopher Stoner (fiancée Beth Thelen), five grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the Michigan State Police Troopers Association or the American Red Cross of Mid-Michigan. Lloyd Stoner will be buried with military honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan.