Ronald Eugene Stone

Ron was born in Springfield, Illinois on February 21, 1947 to Emory and Ada (Runyon) Stone.  Ron graduated from Lanphier High School in 1965 and enlisted in the US Air Force.  After serving 4 years as a radar repairman, he left the Air Force with the rank of Sargent. Because of his military service, Ron was able to use the GI Bill to attend Illinois State University where he received a BS with a major in English and minor in philosophy. Ron went on to obtain a Masters of Health Services Administration degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Ron had many different work experiences with many different organizations.  These included teaching high school English in District 186, developing certificates of need for the Health Systems Agency, Director of the United Cerebral Palsy and Mental Health Associations, Planner at the Area Agency on Aging, and Director of Senior Services in Pueblo, Colorado.  

Ron married Barbara Stailey in 1971 and they celebrated 52 years together in August 2023.   They traveled all over the US and to England, and lived in Colorado for 10 years, during which they owned 25 acres of mountain property which they loved.  After moving to AZ for 10 years, in 2015 they made the decision to return to Illinois to be with family and friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his father Emory, mother Ada and sister, Connie Stone Cantrall. Ron is survived by his wife, Barb, brothers-in-law Dave (Peggy) Cantrall, Bob (Sharon) Stailey, Geore Stailey, and sister-in-law Nancy (Richard) Cooley.  Nieces and nephews include: Doug (Sarah) Cantrall, Elaine (Kenny) Burke, Karen (Eric) Williams, Mike (Becky) Cantrall, Ted (Lanette) Cantrall, Rachel Cooley, Richard (Amanda) Cooley, Alisha (Matt) Henry and Jason Stailey.  There are numerous cousins, great-nieces and nephews surviving.

Ron will be remembered for his wit, his wisdom and his straightforward approach to issues.  He preferred not to engage in confrontations, but would readily share a very logical and well thought out rationale for his beliefs and opinions.  Ron had a lifelong love of literature.  One of his favorite verses appears on many old English gravestones.

REMEMBER ME AS YOU PASS BY,

AS YOU ARE NOW, SO ONCE WAS I

AS I AM NOW, SO YOU MUST BE

PREPARE FOR DEATH AND FOLLOW ME.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road, on Thursday January 4, 2024 from 11:00am until 2:00pm. A private graveside service for the family will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Our thanks to the excellent staff at Springfield Clinic and Memorial Hospice for their support and care. Condolences may be left at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to: The Lincoln Project https://action.lincolnproject.us/