Gary L. Stone

THE LIFE OF GARY L. STONE, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

Each man is called to his own time. We are called to this hour and to this place. Our day is today. At death, then, we are parted one from another. One man’s journey is done. He has completed the race which is set before him; the journey of the other man continues. But where the two paths were joined, where life and love have been shared, history will ever record that these two have walked together.

Gary Lee Stone was born on January 13, 1932, in Evansville, Indiana. He was the second child born to Archibald Taylor and Hester Velma Randolph Stone, the others being Nora Jean, Lillian Suzanne, and James Kenneth. Gary attended Delaware and Henry Reis elementary schools and Central High School. After high school he signed up for a four-year enlistment in the U.S. Navy, following which he attended Evansville College where he earned a Teaching Degree. He later completed a Master’s Degree at Indiana University. After his discharge from the Navy, Gary joined the U.S. Naval Reserve where he attained the rank of Lt. Commander. He will be buried in his uniform.

On December 10, 1955, he married Gloria Ann White. This union produced five children: Leigh Ann, Tamara Lu, Terry Lynn, Samuel Christopher, and David Arthur. His family grew to include 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, along with 2 step grandchildren and 5 step great-grandchildren.

Gary lived up to the principles important to him such as integrity and fair-mindedness. In the beginning he loved teaching and many of his students loved him. At the end of a less than perfect season, the boys’ sixth grade basketball team that he coached gave him a plaque inscribed “To the World’s Best Coach.” One former student told him he was the reason he chose to become a teacher. Those having contact with Gary’s children today often reminisce about those school days in his classroom. In a restaurant one student came over to say he wanted to say “hello” to the best teacher he ever had. Gary was 71 years old at the time. During their marriage, Gary grew to love music as did Gloria, and they derived great pleasure playing tapes on their many trips to Florida during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Gary also loved Florida and truly enjoyed the time he spent there.

Most of all Gary was devoted to his family. Though spending many hours away working at several extra jobs, the welfare of his wife and children and their families was first in his heart. During his retirement, he spent many hours staying active by helping them in numerous ways. He also enjoyed the many outings with their friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, October 27, 2023, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue with Gene Backes officiating. Entombment will be private.

Friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Friday, October 27, 2023, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Vanderburgh County Humane Society at 400 Millner Industrial Drive, Evansville, IN 47710.

Boone Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Gary L. Stone. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.