May 10, 1949 – April 6, 2022
Richard L. Stone of Lantry passed away April 6, 2022.
Richard was born May 10, 1949 to Robert J. and Margery R. Hebenstreit Stone in Decatur, Illinois. In 1961 he moved with his family to Wheat Ridge, CO, where he resided until he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Richard was gifted with an athletic build and physical abilities. His true partner growing up was his next older brother, Mike. Dick, as he was called through his growing up years, enjoyed the mountains, fishing with his dad, hunting, riding his motorcycle, working on cars, and dogs.
Richard enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on May 27, 1968. After boot camp he trained as an 0351 Anti-Tank Assault man. After completion of training Richard was sent to Vietnam with K Co, 3rd Bn. 26th Marine Reg., 1st Marine Division, where he was engaged in considerable combat. For his service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese Service Medal (3rd award), Vietnamese Campaign Medal (with device), and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (with palm). He was honorably discharged in December 1969.
Richard returned home after his service, eventually relocating to Denver, where he worked as a mechanic and met his life partner, Barbara Zephier. Around 1992, they relocated to Lantry, where he was self-employed and gained a reputation as an ace mechanic.
Richard was a very private person and proud of his service. He will be interred at Ft. Logan National Cemetery next to his parents and brother.
Richard was preceded in death by his partner, Barbara Zephier; two older sisters, Barbara and Patricia Stone; brother Michael, a Navy veteran; his father, Robert J. (Bob), a World War II Army combat veteran, his mother, Margery (Marge); his oldest brother John, an Army veteran; and great-niece Brittany (Sim) Strummer.
He is survived by his younger sister, Jacqueline (Jackie) Stearns; brother Steven Stone; sister-in-law Dow Stone; nieces Susan Stone, Debbie Stone Mueller, Jennifer Stearns, Julie Rosenberg, and Jessica Stearns; great-nephews William Rosenberg and Cooper Mueller; and great-niece Deborah Willmer.