Final Salute

Dear friends and family,
We are celebrating the life of Lester W. Stone (92) of Mentor Ohio. Les is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Alice Stone (1933 – 2021) and his son Dennis Stone (1959-2014). He is survived by daughters Anne (Greg) Bandi, Mary (Ron) Amodeo, daughter in law Kate Stone, grandchildren Alyson, Samuel (Danielle), Jackson, and Anna, and sister Eleanor Reeves.
After graduating from West Virginia University with a degree in Civil Engineering, Les was accepted into Officer Candidate School as a Navy Civil Engineer Corps candidate, which is the officer corps for the Seabees (Construction Battalions). His first assignment was at Quantico, VA. It was in Washington, DC that he met Alice on a blind date in 1953. Alice was working for the CIA as a secretary and there was talk of her being sent to Japan. So, on April 1st, 1954, over dinner Les asked her to “Tell the CIA you aren’t interested and let’s get married!” It wasn’t an April Fool’s joke, and they married October 10, 1954.
Following his active duty, Les served another 24 years in the Reserves and achieved the rank of Commander. Les also had a very successful career as a Civil Engineer with ARMCO Steel. His first day of work was October 10, 1955, his and Alice’s first anniversary. This October 10th day is a special date. His specialty was designing steel roofing systems, and he authored a patent for one of his inventions for a concealed fastening system.
Les was an avid car enthusiast and often told stories of attending NASCAR races with son Dennis. He restored many vehicles in his lifetime, including 1930’s Fords and Chevrolets. Upon retirement from ARMCO, he built a business around his passion for 1930-1932 Chevys and he and Alice managed it together. He also loved his Corvettes. His first corvette was a 1958 model, and he went on to buy a 2019 model on his 87th birthday.
Les loved going on the road with Alice in their motorhome, visiting many parts of the USA. The two also travelled with several friends to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Panama Canal with Road Scholar programs (formerly Elder Hostel).
Thank you to his caregivers over the past few years including Visiting Angels (Mentor), The Enclave at Newell Creek (Mentor), and Hospice of the Western Reserve (David Simpson House). Your compassionate care to Les and family is greatly appreciated.
Services will be held for both Lester and Alice on October 10, 2024, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, OH.
Les asked that we remember his life with a contribution to:
Navy Seabee Foundation
P.O. Box 657
Gulfport, MS 39502
Or online at seabee.org www.ZMFH.com
Zeis-McGreevey Funeral Home and Cremation Service
16105 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 221-0220
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.