Gary Richard Stone

Gary Richard Stone moved beyond his physical being into the light on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at the age of 67. Gary was born in Kansas City, MO on August 20, 1948 to Richard Bonnie Stone and LaVina Viola Phelps. He was preceded in death by his parents and his granddaughter Caitlyn Shay Miller. He is survived by his beloved strength of 35 years, wife Cheryl (Beard) Stone and by his children Shannon Cole and her husband Corey Cole with their children SGT Derek Miller and wife Taylor with his great grandson Legend, Chance Miller, Theron Cole, Caden Cole; Shawn Stone with his children Devon Lacey, Shania, Gracelyn and Elyna; Joshua Stone and his son Solace; Christina Stone and her partner Zac Beauchamp with her children Alexis and Levi Johnson; Oralee Medici and her husband Tony Medici with their children Micah Stonecombs, Keihanna, Abrieanna, and Lydia Medici. Gary served his country from 1967 to 1970 in the US Army. Gary and his family have been in the Ozark area for 25 years. He was a carpenter by trade and has worked in this area mostly self-employed. He was known among his friends as the gardener, always giving of vegetables he had grown in his big garden. Gary always had a helping hand to everyone he met. He loved people and always found the good in everyone. Many friends of his children and family knew him as a father figure in their lives. Not without correction sometimes, he always found that place within each one that spirit resides and made them aware of how much they were loved by their creator. He lived his life as an example by living at the greatest level of himself. He had the heart of a servant that was the testimony of all who knew him. He had the courage to stand up for what is right, along with the humility to get down on the floor and play with the children, while helping them stand tall. Gary will be missed greatly by all his family and many friends. There will be a Celebration of Life memorial at his home residence, 3662 Elk Valley Road, Ozark, MO 65721 on Saturday January 16th, 2016 at 2:00 pm. Monetary gifts to the family will be sent to cancer research organizations at the family members' choice. Arrangements under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.