James A. Stone, 89, of Chatham, died on Friday, July 27, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Staab Funeral Home in Springfield. A second visitation will be held Tuesday, July 31, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Chatham.
Funeral services will follow, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the church with the Rev. Clarence Rogers officiating. Burial will take place at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, where military honors will be conducted.
Mr. Stone was born Sept. 23, 1928, in Springfield, to August and Margaret (Rychel) Stone. He married Lois M. Lyerla on Dec. 19, 1953, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 23, 2017.
He graduated from Lanphier High School and attended Millikin University. He went on to serve his country in the United States Army as part of the 33rd Infantry Division during the Korean War era. He was awarded the Bronze Star.
Mr. Stone was employed as a railroad inspector for the ICC, and was a member of the Korean War Veterans Chapter #27 in Sangamon County and St. John's Lutheran Church in Chatham, where he was involved in the Lutheran Layman's League.
He loved to play golf, bowl, fish, play darts and cards and was an avid Cubs and Bears fan. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mr. Stone is survived by two daughters, Sheri (Steve) Hoff of Chatham and Lori (Kevin) Anderson of Springfield; a son, the Rev. James Allan (Mavis) Stone, Sr. of Harrisburg; eight grandchildren, Steven Hoff, Lisa Kaye Anderson, James Stone, Jr., Bethany Septer, Bradley Stone, Wesley "Augie", AJ and Austin Middleton; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirley (Bob) Hill of Belleville; two brothers, Jerry (Marilyn) Stone of Brookfield, MO, and Richard (Voncile) Stone of Belleville; one sister-in-law, Betty Smalley of Nokomis; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; and a daughter, Sandra Middleton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church in Chatham, Korean War Veterans of Sangamon County or Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.StaabFamily.com.
