John Albert Stone

John Albert Stone was born in Tupelo, Arkansas, on August 14, 1942, son of J B and Donnie Francis (White) Stone. He departed this life Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at Fulton County Hospital in Salem, Arkansas, at the age of 71 years, 3 months and 27 days. John was united in marriage to Claudia Henderson on December 14, 1962, at Tupelo, Arkansas. He was self employed as a painter for many years. John was a member of the Gideons, VFW, and the Salem First Baptist Church where he also served as a deacon. He retired with the US Air Force. John was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed coaching and participating in sports of all kinds. John is survived by his wife Claudia of the home in Salem; three daughters, Sandy Hodges and husband John of Salem, Arkansas, Robin Stone of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Janet Gatschenberger and husband Tom of Springfield, Illinois; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; one sister Charlene Sockel of Taylorville, Illinois; two brothers Richard Stone and Roger Stone both of Newport, Arkansas; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Francis Williams. Funeral services will be held at Salem First Baptist Church at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 13, 2013, with Bro. John Hodges officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 12, 2013, at the church with services under direction of Barker Funeral Home of Salem. Interment will be in the Salem Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Joshawa Hodges, Josh Guffey, Jeremy Ealey, Jeremy Green, Corey Gatschenberger and Jason Huff. Memorials preferred to Gideons, American Cancer Society or Salem First Baptist Church Building Fund.