Richard Cyril Stone

The Reverend Richard Cyril Stone, 95, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 in Abilene. He lived in Abilene since 1988. Cyril was born on April 16, 1918 in Artesia, NM to his German mother Alvena Moser Stone and his English father, Edward Stone and he was a first generation American citizen. He had one brother, Glenn Edward Stone.

He attended McMurry College, now McMurry University, where he met and married Mary Corinne Daniel. After their marriage, they lived in his home town of Artesia for several years, and then returned to McMurry for about two years. He went to Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas where he earned both a Master of Theology and Master of Arts. He was given an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity at McMurry University and earned a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary. Cyril loved McMurry and was very active with the Alumni Association. He was given the Cross and Flame award in 2000 and the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003.

During his years of service, he served Highland United Methodist Church in Odessa, TX, Anthony United Methodist Church in Anthony, NM, Southern Heights United Methodist Church in Hobbs, NM, Fort Boulevard United Methodist Church in El Paso, TX, and St. Lukes United Methodist Church in Odessa, TX. He was transferred to Carlsbad, NM to establish the Landsun Home, a United Methodist Retirement facility. After Landsun Home was operational, he returned to a pastoral charge at First United Methodist Church in El Paso, TX and Christ United Methodist Church in Albuquerque, NM, and then moved across town to start a new church called St. Stephens United Methodist Church in a new part of this city and this new church grew immensely. He further served First United Methodist Church in Lovington, NM, St. Johns United Methodist Church in Stamford, TX, and Kingswood United Methodist Church in Clovis, NM. With the time approaching for retirement, he wanted to retire from the New Mexico Conference which was really a part of his home. He retired from full time ministry in the United Methodist in 1984 and lived in Albuquerque, NM before returning to Abilene.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and his brother.

Survivors include his seven children, Martha Jeanne and husband, Graham Bridges, Elizabeth Ann and husband Girvin Harkins, Mary Frances and husband Walter Bains, Richard Cyril Stone, Jr. and wife, Carol, Robert Edward Stone and wife, Cynthia, Sarah Margaret(Sally) and husband Phil Sneed, and Russell David Stone and wife, Sheryl; ten grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2013, at St. Paul United Methodist Church officiated by Reverend Felicia Hopkins and Dr. Bob Monk. Arrangements are under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory St.

Please send memorials to the Cyril and Mary Stone Endowed Scholarship Fund at McMurry University, Box 938 McMurry Station, Abilene, TX 79697, Landsun Homes “Helping Hands”, 2002 Westridge, Carlsbad, NM, 88220, or St. Paul United Methodist Church, 525 Beech, Abilene, TX 79601.