Richard L. Stone passed into eternal life April 6, 2022.

Richard was born May 10, 1949, the third son and fifth child to Robert J. and Margery R. Stone (nee Hebenstreit). He was born in Decatur, Il, Macon County. In 1961 he moved with his family to Wheat Ridge, Co. where he resided until he enlisted in the U.S Marine Corp. Richard was gifted with an athletic build and physical abilities. His true partner growing up was his next older brother, Mike. They had many great exploits, one of the most memorable was when they were found in a neighbor's coal bin. Let us just say that bath time that night was incredibly challenging. Dick, as he was called all through his growing up years, really enjoyed the mountains, fishing with his dad, hunting, riding his motorcycle, working on cars and dogs.

Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps May 27, 1968. After boot camp he went on to be trained as an 0351, Anti-Tank Assault man. After completion of training Richard was sent to Vietnam, with K Co, 3 ^rd Bn. 26 ^th Marine Reg., 1 ^st Marine Division, where he was engaged in considerable combat. For his service Richard was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese Service Medal (3 ^rd award), Vietnamese Campaign Medal (with device), Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (with palm). Richard 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 together, they relocated to Lantry, SD. In Lantry he continued to work as a self-employed mechanic and gained a reputation as being an ace mechanic.

Richard was always a very private person and proud of his service. He will be interred at Ft. Logan National Cemetery to be next to his parents and brother.

Richard was preceded in death by his life partner Barbara Zephier, two older sisters, Barbara & Patricia Stone, brother Michael (Mike) a Navy Veteran, his Father Robert J (Bob). a WWII Army Combat Veteran, his Mother Margery (Marge), his oldest brother John an Army Veteran, great Niece Brittany (Sim) Strummer.

Richard is survived by his younger sister, Jacqueline (Jackie) Stearns nee Stone, younger brother Steven Stone, sister-in-law, Dow Stone, Nieces Susan Stone, Debbie Stone-Mueller (Tim Mueller), Jennifer Stearns, Julie Rosenberg (nee Stearns), Jessica Stearns, great nephews William Rosenberg, Cooper Mueller, and great niece Deborah Willmer nee Sim (Richard Wilmer).