Fred Leon Stone Sr. was reunited with his heavenly family on July 15, 2025, at his home in West Plains, Missouri. He was 71 years old.
Fred was born on August 8, 1953, at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach, California, to William Newell Stone Sr. and Bonnie Louise (Earle) Stone. He joined his parents and siblings, Brenda and Billy, at the family home in Costa Mesa. Fred spent his early childhood in California before moving to Hardy, Arkansas, in the second grade. He attended schools in both states before finishing his education at Glenwood R-8 and West Plains High School. A lifelong learner, Fred continued to pursue knowledge and skills throughout his life, always eager to take on new challenges.
Fred was known for his exceptional work ethic, integrity, and generosity. His early career took him to Alaska, where he worked on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline based in Prudhoe Bay. He went on to pursue his love of aviation, beginning as a crop duster in Hondo, Texas, and later flying for Air Evac and on charter flights. He finished his flying career as a pilot for the U.S. Forest Service, as chief operations pilot coordinating wildfire response efforts across the country. Fred also served in the United States Marine Corps.
In addition to his career as a pilot, Fred was a highly skilled carpenter and contractor. Alongside his brother, Bill, he co-owned Stone Construction and helped build many homes in southern Missouri. He was creative, hardworking, and could fix or figure out just about anything he put his mind to.
Fred was a man of deep faith who loved the Lord with his whole heart. He attended Faith Assembly of God and later Endurance Church in West Plains. He often said, “What are they going to threaten me with? Heaven?” and looked forward with peace to the day he would see Jesus and be reunited with his parents. He was known for his positive spirit, saying often, “Tomorrow is a new day.” He never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him.
Fred deeply cherished time with his children—Michelle, Fred Jr., and Kyle—and made lifelong memories with them hunting on the family farm, camping, and boating at Bull Shoals Lake. He taught his sons to scuba dive and spearfish and passed on a love for the outdoors that shaped their lives. In 2024, he and Kyle rode together to Sturgis, South Dakota, continuing their shared love of motorcycles. These adventures, full of laughter, storytelling, and life lessons, reflected Fred’s joy in being a father and left a lasting imprint on each of his children.
He also enjoyed traveling to motorcycle events and rallies, often riding alongside a group of close friends who shared his passion for the open road.
Fred is survived by his daughter, Michelle Louise Schick and her husband, Chad; his sons, Fred Leon Stone Jr. and wife, Tara Stone, and Kyle Wade Stone; his grandchildren, Ty Murray and wife Mae, John Stadler, Shaddix Stone, and Bennett Stone; his siblings, Brenda Louise Brockman and husband Robert of Burwell, Nebraska, William Newell Stone Jr. and wife Kathy of West Plains, and Valerie Jean Hartsfield and husband Keith of Jacksonville, Florida; his cousin Tim Rinker; and his nieces and nephews, Nicole Louise Brockman, Robert Orlyn Brockman Jr., Sara Ann Stone Melvin, and William Newell Stone III. He is also survived by Evelyn Elaine (Kitchen) Stone, wife of the late William Newell Stone Sr. Fred leaves behind a host of extended family and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Stone Sr. and Bonnie Chapman; his grandparents, including Grandma Sunshine Friar Earle, Grandpa Barney Fred Earle (his namesake), and Grandma Mattie Adele Hoover Stone; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends too numerous to name.
Fred’s legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home in West Plains, Missouri. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 12:00 p.m.