C. Thomas Stone

C. Thomas Stone, 68 of Oquawka, died Monday at his home. Per his request cremation rites were accorded. A celebration of his life will be at a later date. Speer Funeral Home, Aledo is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to the Henderson County Library, where he was a dedicated patron. Tom was born on February 26, 1942 in Carbondale, Illinois to Lewis B. & Ruby M. (Baker) Stone. He was a member of the Galesburg High School Class of 1960. Tom served in the United States Navy from 1959 through 1963. He proudly served his entire commission on the USS Intrepid CVA-11. Tom married Virginia (Ginger) Freeman on November 16, 1963 in Galesburg. Together they enjoyed time on the river, fishing, snowmobiling and attending the reunions of the USS Intrepid. Tom was employed with Farmall from 1963 through 1984. He then worked on the Rock Island Arsenal through 1993. At that time he went to Indianapolis with Navistar and retired from there in 2001. Tom was a member of the Oquawka Masonic Lodge #123; Monmouth American Legion; Keithsburg Boat Club; Oquawka Eagles Aerie 3629 and the USS Intrepid Association. He was of the Baptist Faith. Tom is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ginger; 5 daughters and their spouses: Patti & Bruce Lawson of Alpha, IL; Kelly & William Francois of McDonough, GA; Kristina Riddell of Kalispell, MT; Lea & Randy Taylor of Washington, IL and Shannon & Shawn Flynn of Matherville; 10 grandchildren: Heather Box and companion, Kristopher Oetzel; Matthew Box; Lindsey Francois; Aaron & Kyra Francois; Thomas Riddell; Trevor Riddell; Courtney Dolan; Derek Bocox; Kelsey Flynn; Kaylea Flynn; great-grandchildren: Raven Little; Carson Oetzel; Makhi Smith and Henri Francois, lovingly expected in January. Also surviving is Tom’s constant companion of 10 years, Willie. The family would like to especially thank Dr’s Stewart Garneau, Thomas Ade and Sora Reddy and the Henderson County Hospice for all the dedicated care and support given to Tom and the entire family during his illness.