Paul Larken Stone Jr., age 73 of Independence, passed away peacefully May 20, 2024 at Centerpointe Hospital surrounded by his family.
Paul was born September 14, 1950 to Paul Sr. and Betty Stone. After serving as an armored vehicle driver with the B 3/5 Cav, stationed in Dong Ha during Vietnam, Paul returned home and welcomed his son Jason with his first wife, Carol and finished his career working at Armco Steel.
In June of 2009 he married Joyce Walsh, and they settled back in Independence. Post-retirement. Paul spent time playing the guitar, fishing, returning to Jack’s Fork River for an annual canoe trip, and spending time with his family. A loving and loyal friend, Paul stayed in close contact with his military brothers, and was an avid planner and participant in Black Knight reunions.
Paul is preceded in death by his son, Jason, his parents, Paul Sr. and Betty Stone, and is survived by his wife Joyce; children Eric (Piper) Stone, and Heather (Jason) Pratt, brother Nathan, and former wife Carol.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, Missouri.
Ray Coe
29 May 2024I’m so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He was a good friend. We did not cross paths a lot in Vietnam even though we were both in the same platoon because we were always so busy working. People have no idea how hard we had to work.
I actually spent much more social time with him at Cavalry reunions. In many ways I realized he and I had such a similar outlook on life.
I wish I had kept in touch more often. How many times do we say that?
My condolences to his family and especially Joyce. When they got married at a Cav reunion, it became a reunion for the ages.
Paul, I sincerely hope you are with your beloved son. I know how much his loss affected you. I hope we will meet again at the Big Cavalry reunion in heaven. I hope to get the opportunity to look you up when I hopefully get there.