EARL STONE

July 26, 1922 - July 20, 2013

GARY — Earl Stone, age 90, of Gary, W.Va., passed away Saturday, July 20, 2013, at Welch Community Hospital six days before his 91st birthday; after a short illness. Born July 26, 1922, in Elbert, he was the second son of the late Baxter and Annie Hodge Stone.

Earl graduated from Gary High School and was one of the main organizers for the Class of 1940-1942 Reunions. He always enjoyed seeing his former classmates and friends. He was a very proud veteran of World War II; serving from 1942-1945 in the U.S. Army. Earl was a devoted member of the Gary United Methodist most of the time he was known as "the only man in church". He and his high-school sweetheart Gertrude Christian were married in that church on August 21, 1945. He was a member of 40+8, American Legion Post 38, and a charter member of the Gary Lions Club, and the Welch Kiwanis Club. He was employed by U.S. Steel for forty-four years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 64 years Gertrude Christian Stone; one sister Ruth, two brothers: Ralph and Paul; and a nephew Keith Stone.

Survivors include two daughters: Pam Kinder and husband Jack of 346 S. CollegeDr., Bluefield, Va., and Kathy Umberger and husband Ralph of Atlanta, Ga.; two grandsons: Brad and wife Hailey Umberger, and Les and wife Suzanne Umberger and a new great-granddaughter Audry all of Atlanta Ga.; three step granddaughters and their families, Angela and Curtis Strong, Michelle and Barry Strong, and Melissa Crabtree all of Texas. Eight step great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter Abby; one brother Orville and wife Shirley and son Mark, sister-in-law Martha Stone all of Hampton, Ga.; his companion and caregiver Emily Yeager and her family.