Major Gerald A. Stone (Gerry), USMC Retired, age 89, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, surrounded by family at his home in West Columbia, Texas after struggling with various illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure from the Vietnam War. Gerry is survived by the light and strength of his life, Elaine, his wife of 66 years. Gerry and Elaine (an Army veteran) met in 1958 while both were stationed at HQ, US EUCOM, Paris, France and married in 1959. Other survivors include his son Gerald Stone Jr. and spouse Esther of Bay City, TX; daughter Terri Daugherty and spouse Kevin of Pagosa Springs, CO; sister Marge Bunschoten of Frisco, TX; his three grandchildren Michael, Shannon, and Joseph; and three great grandchildren, Julian, Jordynn, and Emalee. He is also survived by his loving sister-in-law, Carolyn and numerous relatives and friends.

Gerry was born May 9, 1935, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and his formative years were in Vicksburg, Michigan. After graduating high school, Gerry enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and honorably served his country for 25 years, retiring in 1978. He was a veteran of the Korean War and served 2 tours in Vietnam. During his honorable career he was promoted through the ranks from Private to Major, an uncommon progression referred to in the Marine Corps as a "Mustang." He earned numerous medals and citations during his service including two Navy Commendations with Combat "V" for valor for his service in Vietnam. Gerry's next career was with Virginia Power in the Nuclear Power Division, retiring after 20 years as Supervisor of Nuclear Materials at North Anna Nuclear Power Station. Upon Elaine's retirement from her career as an accountant for the Department of the Navy, Gerry and Elaine moved to Texas in 2005.

Gerry was a member of several military organizations including the Military Officers Association, Marine Corps Mustang Association, and the Veterans Association. He was a charter member of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Gerry's passion in life was fishing and boating. He particularly enjoyed deep sea fishing in the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia and the Gulf of Mexico after moving to Texas. He also enjoyed playing golf with his spouse and friends. Gerry's extreme attention to detail lent itself to building intricate replicas of ships and World War I and II era airplanes. He had a natural ability to build and fix just about anything and enjoyed helping anyone who needed his assistance.

A remembrance of life ceremony will be held Friday, April 11, 2025 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, 2313 Avenue I in Bay City. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with the service starting at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Gerry requested donations be made in his memory to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation , Gift Processing Center, PO Box 96628, Washington D.C. 20090. Gerry will be laid to rest at the Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City, Texas.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE