Donald Dean Stone

Donald Dean Stone, 95, planted his last crop and gathered his final harvest on Monday, September 7, 2026. Born June 30, 1931, to Orlie and Nancy (Jones) Stone in White County, Ill., Donald graduated from New Harmony School in 1949

During the Korean War, he was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country. Wounded in combat, Donald was awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice. His patriotism remained evident throughout his life, often displayed through the Korean War Veteran hat he proudly wore and the American flag he proudly flew.

Following military service, Donald returned home and worked as a toll collector on the Wabash River Bridge before taking over the family farm. Farming was not simply an occupation but a way of life, and he remained dedicated to the land until retiring in 2004. Even in retirement, great pride was taken in maintaining the farm grounds and keeping the acres of grass neatly mowed.

Donald appreciated the simple pleasures in life and will be remembered for his sense of humor, tan legs, and love of ice cream. If you met him out, it was rare not to get a smile and a friendly word. He also attended Johnson United Methodist Church in New Harmony.

Family meant everything to Donald, and nothing brought him greater joy than talking about those he loved. Affectionately known as “Gramps,” he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather whose legacy will live on through the generations he helped shape.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles “Sam” Stone.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 73 years, Carolyn (Richards) Stone; son: Rick Stone (Anita Hawkins); and daughter: Debra Cullum; grandchildren: Nicholas (Megan) Cullum, Nathaniel Stone (Kendra Georgesen), and Ashli (Shane) Oglesby; great-grandchildren: Cole, Raela, Paylin, and Nash Cullum, Averie Stone, and Timothy Stone Oglesby; great-great-grandchildren: Marlee and Khai Stone; and sister-in-law: Louise Stone; nephews: Scott (Jana) Stone and Steve Stone and niece Shana (Rick) Northcott.

A special thank you to the Beuligmann Farm family for carrying on the farming tradition he cherished and for continuing to care for the land he devoted his life to.

Visitation was held 4 - 7 p.m., Sunday, September 13, 2026 at Werry Funeral Home in New Harmony.

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 14, 2026 at Werry Funeral Home in New Harmony.

Burial at Maple Hill Cemetery will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Ribeyre Gymnasium Restoration Group (RGRG), PO Box 162, New Harmony, Indiana 47631. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family online at: www.werryfuneralhomes.com.