Carl W. E. Stone

Carl W. E. Stone, 78, of Garnett, passed away Monday, May 7, 2018. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 12, 2018, at Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona, with full military honors by the Kansas Army National Guard. Family will meet with friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., Friday, May 11, 2018, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Carl was born February 19, 1940, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of James W. and Anna (Burrichter) Stone. He was a near lifelong Franklin County resident, residing in Garnett for the last 13 years. He graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1959. Carl served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1961 and for 38 years in the Kansas Army National Guard, retiring in 1998 as 1st Sergeant from Garnett SVC Btry 1st BN 127th FA. Carl was united in marriage to Marjorie J. Hannah December 29, 1961 in Springfield, Vermont. They later divorced. Carl later married Eva L. Ecord January 6, 1978, in Leavenworth, Kansas. She preceded him in death on April 5, 2017. He was also preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jean Byrne; and grandson, Evan Paramino. Survivors include his two children, Jon Stone and wife Deb of Ottawa, Betty Raby and husband Jim of Richmond; three stepchildren, Scott Willhite and wife Andrea of Parsons, Cindy Paramino and husband Rick of Wellsville, and Brian Willhite and wife Krystal of Scammon; sister, Betty Joann Cundiff of Garden City, Missouri; eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Carl was a hard-working, lifelong cattle farmer. He started his career with General Motors in November 1964 at the Fairfax Plant in Kansas City, Kansas. He began in assembly and became a union rep for most of his employment becoming a liaison between the Kansas City Plant and the General Motors headquarters in Detroit. He was instrumental in many plant improvements and improved the work environment for employees. He retired in October 2002. He was a member of the Garnett First United Methodist Church and former member of Pomona United Methodist Church; United Auto Workers Local 31, Kansas City, Kansas; National Farmers Organization; and Future Farmers of America. Carl truly loved the outdoors and farming. While serving in the National Guard and employed at General Motors, he strived to take care of coworkers and service members. It was important to Carl to pass on real world knowledge and common sense to his children and grandchildren. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Franklin County War Memorial c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Carl’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com