Richard “Stoney” Stone left his earthly bonds on January 13th, 2022, in the arms of his beloved wife, Krissy, with his brother John Burke by his side.
Born August 28, 1966, Stoney proudly grew up in the Dogtown area of St Louis. His youth was spent with lifelong friends exploring Forest Park, playing pick-up ice hockey, and other outdoor activities. Stoney was an avid hunter. With his brother John, Stoney routinely kept the deer population of Missouri in check. Though he never bragged about it, Stoney was an excellent shot. Stoney’s love of country and commitment was an integral part of his life. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army as a Motor Transport Operator. In this role, he was responsible for transporting military members and equipment safely throughout the battlefield. His duties placed him in The Republic of Korea and Operation Desert Storm. Throughout Stoney’s tenure in the Army, his selfless duties earned him an Army Achievement Medal and an Army Commendation Medal. Upon his honorable discharge in 1993, Stoney returned to Missouri, working with different trucking companies. In May 1999, he started with the Bi-State Development Agency, aka MetroLink, working for over 22 years.
Those who know Rich best knew him by many names: Dad, Mr.Man, Dipaw, PawPaw, Grandpa and “You’re Beautiful, Baby!” Nothing made him happier than being the jungle gym for his 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and spending time with family. His famous beard “Lamar” was distinctive and a favorite play toy for the little ones and a conversation piece to others. To his friends and even strangers, he was kind, generous, and funny with a unique ability to listen without judgment. As a combat veteran, he understood the demons and struggles of so many. Countless owe their sanity to his friendship, generosity, and remarkable smile. People were naturally drawn to Stoney. His wit, kindness, and loyalty were unmatched.
An avid motorcycle rider and mechanic, Stoney, with Krissy, traveled thousands of miles together exploring Missouri Civil War battlefields. Stoney belonged to the VFW POST 6516 in High Ridge, Missouri and supported the Patriot Guard as a member of the Statesmen Motorcycle Club and Combat Veteran’s Motorcycle Association 4-4, being a proud Harley Davidson rider, along with his wife.
His mechanical skills and willingness to be of service saved the day on more than one occasion. Rich’s passions include all aspects of the Civil War and Confederacy, growing in knowledge by reading an impressive number of books yearly (The Shack being among his favorite), and helping as many veterans as possible. Calling Stoney a friend, a helper, an inspiration and a hero would be quite an understatement.
Rich is preceded in death by his grandparents Geneva Norweck and MaryJane Maxon, ‘Bonus mother’ Ann Burke, mother-in-law Brenda Weise, and niece Natalie Burke. Rich is survived by his wife and soulmate Christina “Krissy” Stone, parents Elaine Jenkins and Jack Stone, sons Scott (Ashley) Stone and Mike (Diana) Stone, stepson Aaron Pratt, daughter Jennifer Stone, stepdaughters Abby Vaughn, Kelsey, Bethany, and Ashley Payne, Pvt. First Class Alexandria Vaughn and Ashley Vaughn, brother John Burke, sisters Alberta “Cissy” (Keith) Hertel, Terry Mazdra, Julie (Chris) Graef, Stacy (Tim) Neuhaus and Stephanie Stone, sisters-in-law Casey Hartley, Kelly Weise, and Crickett (Todd) White, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Visitation is Sunday, January 23, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO 63129. Funeral services are Monday, January 24, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. at Kutis Funeral Home, an interment; with military honors, will follow in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. A celebration of life is after the interment from 11:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Arnold VFW Post 2593, 2301 Church Rd, Arnold Mo 63010. If you’d like to bring a dish, you are welcome. There will be Music, Fellowship, Honor, and Unity. This is an opportunity to share stories, eulogies, jokes, toasts, traditions, prayers, and blessings.
The Patriot Guard Riders are the lead escort followed by the Statesmen MC and the Combat Veterans MA 4-4. Thank you STMC Fathead, a dear friend & brother for providing the motorcycle hearse.
Please upon request and honor of Stoney’s Family adhere by Covid Protocols, standards. If you are sick or have been exposed, send wishes. DO NOT attend. If not eating/drinking MASK UP.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Missouri National Memorial in Perryville, MO, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 4-4, and the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site.
* Mask Mandate will be enforced in respect of his family. *
Praying for God to wrap his comforting around the family and friends and bring you some peace of heart. Stoney will always live in our hearts and we will cherish the memories of him forever. His light will shine bright through all of us that were blessed to call him friend. RIP my CVMA Brother.
So sorry for such a great loss. To a good family man. Godspeed Stoney
We rode we Stoney in Sturgess 2011 , stay in the wind Sir ✌️✌️✌️ Condolences to his Loved ones ❤️❤️❤️
A dear friend and fellow warrior, your spirit lives through all who you touched with your generosity, love, and kindness. Our lives are so much fuller because of you. Love and prayers.
IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HAVE KNOWN YOU BROTHER “STONEY” MY LOVELY WIFE AND I SEND OUR HEARTFELT PRAYER’S/CONDOLENCE’S TOO UR-FAMILY & TOO THE ENTIRE STATE’SMEN NATION, GOD BLESS AND MAY YOU R.I.P. DETROIT DAVE !!
So sorry for your loss, praying for your family and friends.
I sure liked and respected Stoney the 1st time i met him
Such a good soul
You will forever be our Brother. You will forever be missed. God speed Stoney. Ride the roads of Heaven like you own them. Until Valhalla!
There are no goodbyes Stoney, as you will always be in the hearts of so many…….
God speed my friend
It’s hard to say goodbye to someone you have known as long as we have know each other. You slid into heaven in a cloud of dust knowing it was a wild ride but you did it your way until we meet again Richie.
God bless you all. Treasure the memories until you see him again.
My heartfelt prayers for a peaceful rest in heaven Stoney until your loving bride “Krissy” can join you. I was friends with Krissy before the two of you soulmates met. Everytime I rode with the Combat Vets or the Statesmen I felt as if ALL of Stoney’s Brothers and Sisters were mine too. Everytime I showed up to the poker runs, rides and events Stoney ALWAYS greeted me with a kind word and an infectious smile. When I geared up to ride home I ALWAYS said to Stoney: “Please take care of my Krissy”. Now you are with my other guardian angel brothers keeping me safe and looking out for me 24/7. Krissy will grieve such a great loss Stoney. Now I must “take care of my Krissy”. It is a tall order I know but I will be glad to comfort her and pray for her. She truly is a gift to us all. The void of your presence will be greatly missed by many my friend, my brother, my confidant. You will be riding on ALL our shoulders now guarding and protecting us from the “evil road spirits” Brother. Ride that “big fat wheelie” to your final resting place Stoney and pass the LOVE to us all……,.. God Speed Brother. ❤️✌️
My deepest condolences to all the familyPrayers Rich was along time friend we not always seen eye to eye but was one of my true brother and will be missed dearly! I’m saddened in more ways then one for the loss of a true American warrior as he was!!! RIP brother Rich…
My sincere condolences to his family and many friends.
My Prayers and Condolences for the Family and Friends of this fallen Soldier, Husband, Father, and Friend. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Stoney, for you are Sailing to your next Duty Station in Valhalla.
So sorry for your loss of Stoney. Prayers and condolences for his family.
May God comfort your family! I will miss you Stone. Enjoyed working with you all these years!
Definitely lost one of the good ones with Stoney. Always had a smile to give and such a big heart. He touched many lives.
Love ya brother, RIP and keep the wind in your face. We will meet again.
My Deepest sympathy to Krissy and all the rest of his family and Friends. I’ll remember Stoney as one of the Kind Members of The SMC as He helped me go through My probation period with confidence. StoneyWe will ride again. Ride safe until then My Brother. May God watch over You and Yours. Thanks for sharing a bunch of Laughs. Love You by brother. SINCERELY Todd Hale
Brother going to miss you u with all my heart had alot of good times together you was like a older brother I never had only to say glad to be in your life and to be your brother you will be highly missed by many till me we again love ya man
So sorry for the families loss, praying for you and your family that God may ease your pain and grief at this sad time.
My thoughts and prayers to the entire family. May our memories sustain us until we meet again.
Not a better man to be found.
RIP CVMA Brother.
You left us with great memories your gone but never forgotten until we see each other again
Rick will be missed around the shop. He was a good man to have around. Always great conversations
Stoney, you will be missed by many. We will wave and say “See ya later” Prayers for Krissy and family. Rest in peace our friend
My wife and I send our deepest condolences to the family of a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. I wish Stoney “Fair winds and following seas.”
Stoney. We love ya bro. We will charish the time we got to spend with you. Rest in peace my brother.
Stoney, as I’ve always called you since the day we met at the bus garage. You will be missed. You touched alot of people’s heart at the work place. And you always had funny stories to tell the guys while you ate your peanut butter sandwich. Till we meet again my Friend.
Oh Krissy, I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you sister and prayers for comfort. My condolences to everyone who shares a heavy heart.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23
My condolences to the Stone family. Rich will be missed. I am glad I had the chance to know and to work with him.
I rode with Stoney,he was a real Patriot he will be greatly missed. Rideing that gold roads of heaven with St Peter. You brother SHEEPDOG
Stoney you will be missed by all your presence on this earth have touched to many to list see you on the other side my friend
Rich I enjoyed working with you always had a smile and kind word. You will be missed by many
Krissy we love you and miss you. We are so sorry this happened to you. We know you are a strong woman, but life has given you a bad deal. We are keeping you in our prayers.
I know your wife Stoney and she is good. I am also a Veteran. Rest in Peace. I am the Mother of the St. Louis Superman, Charlee Soffer.