Leon M. Stone

Leon M. Stone, age 89, went home to be with the Lord on September 21, 2019 after a lengthy illness. He was a teacher and professional artist. He was born on February 18, 1930 in Newman Grove, Nebraska to Maynard and Minnie (Miller) Stone. He was the second oldest of four sons. Leon farmed with his parents and brothers. The family farm is still there today. In 1947 he graduated from Newman Grove High School. In 1951 he was drafted by the U.S. Army. Basic training took him to Fort Jackson, South Carolina and then onto Gifu, Japan for warfare school. On New Year’s Eve 1951 he arrived in Sasebo, Japan and that same night traveled to Pusan, Korea where he would complete his 9-month tour. He was assigned to the 32nd Regiment, 7th Division. In October 1952 he traveled home and was stationed at Camp Carson, CO until his honorable discharge in February 1953. For his service he was awarded the Korean Service Ribbon, United Nation’s Ribbon and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. After returning home from service he spent a year farming and then moved to Chicago where he attended art school. He attended for two years and then moved to Wayne, Nebraska. He attended Wayne State College and got his Bachelor of Fine Art Degree in Education. This led him to his passion…teaching students art! He taught art classes to hundreds of students in Nebraska and Colorado in his 22-year teaching career. Leon loved being outdoors and for eight summers worked for the National Park Service as a ranger. He worked at Death Valley National Park, Scottsbluff National Monument and De Soto National Memorial in Florida. While in Florida he met the love of his life, Ruth Ellen Linneman. They were married December 31, 1967 and remained married until his death. Leon and Ruth had two sons; Christopher and Leighton. Leon and Ruth especially loved the scenery and spent many a summer in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Leon would paint and work in the woods. Growing up this way, Chris and Leighton also enjoyed family time together there. Leon was strong in faith and loved the Lord. He and his family attended New Life Christian Center in Eckley, CO for many years. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ruth; his sons Christopher (Jeannette) of Brighton, CO; Leighton (Layla) of Grand Junction, CO and four grandchildren; Josiah, Samuel, Savannah and Gracellen; his brother Marvin (Lucille) of Kearney, NE. He is preceded in death by his parents Maynard Mark Stone; Minnie Edith (Miller) Stone; his brothers Merlin, Leland; and sister-in-law Bernette (Pat) Stone; as well as his father and mother-in-law Charles and June (Sylvester) Linneman. Services will be held Friday, October 4, 2019 at 2:15 p.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO. Following a family & friends gathering will take place at Chris’ home at 14751 Brighton Road, Brighton, CO. In lieu of flowers donations can made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leon M. Stone, please visit our floral store.