Clayr Lee "Cork" "Stoney" Stones, 82, of Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 4:40 p.m. Oct. 11, 2010, at Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis.
He was born Aug. 23, 1928, in Plattsmouth, Neb., to John Cleo and Rachel Aleta Baldwin Stones. He met and fell in love with Lois, his best friend. On Sept. 22, 1949, in Roseland, he married Lois A. Holloway, who survives. Their union spanned 62 years and produced a beautiful daughter Allyson. Later three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren were added to the family tree.
He shared his childhood with his younger brother Larry. It wasn't long until Grandad nicknamed him "Cork," after a comic strip character "Corky," one of perpetual motion. Cork answered to this name his entire life.
When patriotism beckoned, he answered the call serving our country with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He returned home to continue as a professional truck driver. An independent trucker, he drove coast to coast hauling boats, mobile homes, cars and tankers. His favorite destination was the northwest, Washington, Oregon and traveling through the Rockies. During his driving years he answered to the handle of "Stoney."
At home, he enjoyed being outside mowing the lawn and manicuring the landscape. He was known to his family as "Mr. Inventive," and the "King of Duct Tape." He was creative and in many cases ingenious with his use of implementing duct tape to projects he aspired to conquer.
Most recently, following his retirement from driving in 2000, he was dedicated to the loving care of his wife Lois.
Also surviving are a daughter, Allyson Lee (and spouse Thomas) Harman,Claypool; his mother, Rachel Stones, Port Huron, Mich.; a brother, Larry Dean (and spouse Christine) Stones, Ruby, Mich.; three grandchildren, Matthew and Jeremy Harman, both of Claypool, and Shayna Harman, Warsaw; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and an infant sister, Aleta.
A celebration of the life will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with his beloved brother, the Rev. Larry Dean Stones officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, with military graveside rites by members of the John C. Peterson American Legion Post 49, Warsaw.
Calling is from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.
