Loren Thomas Stone

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Loren Thomas Stone, age 81, of Springfield, passed away Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007. He was born April 10, 1926, in Pittsburg, Kan., the son of Charles Floyd and Verna (Jarrell) Stone. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. On April 4, 1948 he and Lucille Frizelle were united in marriage.

Loren, or "Shorty," as he was known to friends and family, worked on many road construction projects throughout the Midwest, including Lambert Air Field in St. Louis. He retired in 1989 as an inspector for the Department of Agriculture.

Loren was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, in Springfield, where he served as deacon and choir member. He lived his life demonstrating his walk with the Lord, both in raising his family and his ministry to others. He was a devoted and loving husband and father, never hesitating to make sacrifices to each.

Survivors include: Four children and their spouses, Connie and Larry Lillich, Springfield, Lana and Jim Jenkins, Sparta, Tom and Mary Stone, Nixa, Mo., and Perrie and Susan Stone, Springfield; nine grandchildren, Jennifer Moore, Nate Lillich and wife Nancy, Matt Lillich, Andy Jenkins and wife Tara, Mark Jenkins and wife Jennifer, Grant Jenkins and wife Rebekah, Jessica Stone, Leigh Anna Stone, and Cassie Bruton and husband, Aaron; great-grandchildren, Kaelin, Madelyn, Isaac, and Luke Jenkins; a brother, Homer J. Stone and wife Jean; and a sister, Bette Hopkins and husband Curt.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille in 2005, three sisters, Lillian Ayoub, Virginia Hatfield, and Beulah Stewart, a brother, Charles Robert Stone, and his parents.

Funeral services were Saturday, Dec. 29, in Ridgecrest Baptist Church Chapel, 2210 W. Republic Road, Springfield, with Pastor Hosea Bilyeu officiating. Burial followed in Hopedale Cemetery, south of Springfield, under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ridgecrest Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, or to the American Cancer Society.