Virgil "Bill" Stone, 70, passed peacefully in his sleep on October 23, 2013 at his home in Norman after an extended illness. Bill was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma on June 15, 1943 to Virgil Mansel Stone and Joane Whetmore Stone who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Michele Zollars Stone and stepmother, Marjorie Stone.
Bill attended the University of Oklahoma where he was active in Lambda Chi Fraternity. After two years at OU, he received his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York graduating in 1967. His military career included tours in Vietnam, Germany, Newport, Rhode Island, West Point, New York, Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma and Fort Lewis in Washington. He retired from the military in1993 and moved to Norman where he worked as a CPA in his family firm.
Bill was active in many community functions in Norman, including the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, St. John's Episcopal Church and Lambda Chi Alumni Association. He loved golfing especially with his West Point Bulldogs golf group.
Bill was a true soldier and gentleman, dedicated to his family, friends, country, and most of all to God. He was a friend to many. Anyone who knew Bill would testify to his quick wit, his personal attention to each individual and his peaceful, tender heart.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou, Son, Robert Stone and wife Jessica; daughter, DeLee Boss; sister, Jenyle Koskie and Sue Ann Hecksher; stepdaughter, Kristine Browne and husband William; stepson, Kevin Partridge and many grandchildren, cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Memorial services will be 10:00 AM Friday, November 1 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Norman.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (OIF.org) P.O. Box 824061, Philadelphia, PA 19182-4061; to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777 NY, NY 10163-4777; or to St. John's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 2088, Norman, OK 73070.
Services have been entrusted to the care of Primrose Funeral Service. For on-line condolences, visit www.primrosefuneralservice.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 16, 2014
Tom Thompson
Bill and I were high school friends at Munich American HS from '58-'61. We shared a dorm room our Jr. year - he living in Bad Tolz and I in Dachau. We also double-dated, each ultimately marrying those same high school sweethearts. We also ended up attending the University of Oklahoma together our Fresh and Soph years '61-'63, pledged the same fraternity, and roomed together our first year; he went off to USMA and I transferred to U. of Arizona. We both were subsequently commissioned in the Field Artillery and both served 26 years with many similar experiences. We caught up with him and Michele at USMA in '80 when I was assigned to the staff and faculty - just as he was completing his assignment in admissions. I didn't see Bill again until the early '90s briefly at Ft. Lewis and then again years later at the 50th reunion of our Lambda Chi Alpha pledge class at OU in 2011. Bill was as gracious and selflessly thoughtful as always - despite his own obvious physical struggles. His eulogy, given by USMA classmate Mike Alverson, says it all about Bill. His personal courage, strength of character and integrity were lifetime examples for us all. I was deeply saddened to hear of his loss, and was only recently provided a copy of his obituary and eulogy by Jim Crowley, another of his USMA classmates here in Williamsburg, VA. Mary Lou and Bill's family continue to be in our prayers.
November 10, 2013
Tom Nash
I am so sorry to see that Bill has passed. He was a great guy, even as a teenager at Munich American High School . We were classmates from 1957-1959. He could play a mean game of basketball in those days. My sincere sympathies to all.
November 1, 2013
Ted Greb
I was very saddened to hear of Bill's passing. What a class guy he was. We became friends in the mid 90's through Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce and golf. I always enjoyed his quick wit, his positive attitude and his sincerity. Bill was a true blessing to all who were fortunate enough to be called a friend. I think Bill will be remembered by those who knew him as truly one of the really good guys. My prayers go out to all his family.
October 31, 2013
Earl Walker
Bill and I were West Point classmates and I was always so fond of him. If my memory is correct, he and I began our military service in Bamberg, Germany. What a wonderful way to start a military career in a beautiful German city. Thereafter, sadly, we lost touch with each other. What a loss for me! May he rest in peace and may his family be reconciled to the loss of a fine soldier, dear friend, and fine gentleman.
Earl Walker, Charleston, SC
October 30, 2013
The news of Bill's passing was received with great sorrow. Bill was one of the good guys and his passing is a real loss to all who knew him. Mary and I got to know Bill and Michele and we cherish the memories of that association. Our sympathies are extended to Skip and DeLee and their families. While we do not know Bill's current family we also extend to them our sincere condolences. Jerry and Mary Walker (USMA 67)
October 29, 2013
Bob La Raia
Bill and I were classmates at West Point but I got to know him in the 80's when I was doing recruiting for West Point in the Houston area and Bill was in the Admissions Office at West Point. He used to travel to Houston often and it was always a pleasure working with him. I send my condolences and I will miss him.
October 28, 2013
Kenneth Younkin
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of Bill. He and I worked together when were both Board Members at Health for Friends during my employment at Norman Regional Hospital back in the mid 1990's. He was a super friend and knowledgeable about many areas. We also shared a common love for the military and would often share stories about our Army experiences. I spent two years on active duty and 28 years in the Army Reserves. He also was a great help to me when he still had the Ace Hardware Stores here in Norman and I was the Comptroller for the J.D. McCarty Center for 11 years. He was a great supporter of his community and a super businessman as well. He will be greatly missed.
Respectfully,
Kenneth A. Younkin
Col, USAR Ret.
October 28, 2013
Dearest Mary Lou,
Bill was one of the kindest men we've met and will be remembered by many for his sharp wit and sense of humor. May your happy memories of the life you shared together sustain you all the days of your life. God bless you...
Cathy Black and Family
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