Francis Henry Stoner

Francis Henry Stoner, age 101, of New Haven, Indiana passed away at Morrison Woods Health on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. He was born December 13, 1921 in Jay County, Indiana to the late Clarence Melvin and Erma Creola (née Milthaler) Stoner. Henry graduated from Madison High School, Union City Class of '39 and was the last surviving class member. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp in 1942, and served in the Pacific Theater of World War II as a C-47 aircraft mechanic. After his discharge, Henry returned to Indiana and married the love of his life, Bessie Bentz, on November 17, 1945. He worked for International Harvester until his retirement in 1977. Henry had many hobbies including cabinetry and woodworking, enjoyed watching Western film, television and novels including 'Gunsmoke', 'Tales of Wells Fargo', Zane Grey, playing cards and wire tree sculpting. He enjoyed cocktails at 2, had an insatiable sweet tooth and was known for the spring in his step, twinkle in his eye and big smile. Henry is survived by his children, Stephen (Karen) Stoner and Marlyn (Rick) Hargett; step-children, Richard (Carol) Wiley, Barbara (Walter) Paxson, and Diane (John) Coldren; grandchildren, Eric (Mary) Hargett, Wade (Ivonne) Stoner, Heather (Ernest) Kinney and Shawn (Rhonda Jones) Stoner and numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brother, Richard Stoner. He was preceded in death by his beloved wives, Bessie and Florence (née Fudge) Wiley; sisters, Ilagene Beebe and Ida Mae Wolford; brothers, Wilbur Stoner, Colonel Stoner, Lawrence Stoner, Rodger Stoner, Dale Stoner, and Thurman Stoner. Funeral Service is 1 pm Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Covington Knolls, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne with calling two hours prior. Interment at Lindenwood Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be directed to Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana, PO Box 5, Huntertown IN, 46748. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for the amazing care received from the staff at Morrison Woods Health, Muncie, Ind. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.mccombandsons.com for the Stoner family.