Drexel Stone

Drexel Dean "Stoney" Stone, 76, of Lone Jack, Missouri, was born Tuesday, March 7, 1933 in Sheridan, Missouri, the son of Victor and Ellen (Swane) Stone. He departed this life Friday, May 8, 2009 at his home in Lone Jack.

On October 1, 1970, Dean was united in marriage to Yula F. Trussel in Independence, Missouri.

Dean was a 1951 graduate of Sheridan High School where he enjoyed playing baseball for the school team. He was a Korean War Veteran earning the Korean Service, National Defense, and United Nation Service medals. On returning from Korea he went to work at Armco Steel where he was employed for over 33 years retiring in 1984. He was a member of the Forest Grove Baptist Church and the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #9991 of Independence.

His favorite pastimes included reading Western stories, especially Louis Lamour, spending time with his grandchildren and traveling. He was very active with his grandchildren, attending many sporting events and spending many summer days swimming at Lake Paradise.

Dean was a caring man with a contagious smile that could warm any heart. He will be greatly missed by many family and friends.

Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by 1 brother Dennis Stone and 1 sister Doris Dowis and 1 great grandchild.

He is survived by his wife Yula of the home; 6 children Richard Dean Stone of Lone Jack, Laura Speiss (and Frank) of Independence, Tammy Murry (and Jeff) of Oak Grove, Don West (and Diane Elaine) of Oak Grove, Dennis West of Lone Jack, and Cheryl Heltzel of Lone Jack; 18 Grandchildren; 30 Great-grandchildren; 1 brother Paul Stone (and Betty) of Independence; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at the funeral home. Pastor Jensen Petersen of the Forest Grove Baptist Church officiated. Mrs. Donna Myers was the soloist accompanied by Sandy Steele on organ. Interment was in the Lone Jack Cemetery with military honors provided by the VFW Post #3118 Honor Guard. Casket bearers were Vic Dowis, Ronnie Murry, Travis Negus, Andy Phillips, Jake Phillips, and Chad West. Honorary casket bearers were David LeMar, Charles Brown, and Jeff West.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Crossroads Hospice and may be sent in care of the funeral home.