Johnnie Stone

After battling cancer, Johnnie P. Stone peacefully passed and went to be with the Lord surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 9:10 P.M.Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Monday, March 7, 2011, at Elwin United Methodist Church, with visitation 4 to 7 PM, Sunday, March 6th at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL.Burial will be in Mechanicsburg Cemetery, Mechanicsburg, IL. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard.Memorials: Elwin United Methodist Church or Donors Choice.Johnnie was born May 27, 1923, in Ft. Henry, TN, the son of Robert Stevenson and Fannie (Largent) Stone. He married Betty Jean Fishburn on December 14, 1946, in Decatur, IL.John was a 56 year member of St. Pauls United Methodist Church. After its closing he and Betty joined the Elwin United Methodist Church. He was a United States Army-Air-Corp veteran serving with the 29th Tactical Division during WWII. Memberships include American Legion Post 105 of Decatur, IL, Ionic Masonic Lodge #312 AF & AM of Decatur, IL, Springfield Consistory and Springfield Ansar Shrine Temple. He was a former employee of General Electric for twelve years and then started his own business, Stone Electrical Service from 1959 to 2002. The family is so thankful to God for giving us such a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He loved the Lord, and the way he lived was a witness to his faith. This was evident by the way he shared Gods love with his family and those he met each day. He enjoyed gardening, feeding the birds, and fishing, and he was also an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs. In later years he enjoyed spending time at the Cracker Barrel and socializing with the staff.Surviving are his wife Betty, enjoying and cherishing 65 years of marriage; three children, Rebecca Jean Stone of Decatur, IL, Sidney Parker Stone of Greenup, IL, Cynthia (Douglas) Soebbing of Decatur, IL, sister Anne Bottrell of West Plains, MO, grandchildren Jeanette, Margaret (Shane) Schrimpf, Parker, Mindy, Trey, Sara and great-granddaughter Aubriana.Preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Francis, George Wesley, Bertie, Tena, Alice, and Bob.The family would like to especially thank Dr. Franklin, DMH Hospice, and Ambulatory Care at DMH, especially Stephanie, Julie, Linda and all the staff for the loving and tender care given to John during his journey. "
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