Richard Dwain Stone

Richard (Rich) Dwain Stone, 91, passed away on May 28, 2026, at Seton Medical Center in Harker Heights, Texas. He was born on May 16, 1935, to John Carey (Jake) Stone and Gladys Lucille Stone in Hope, Arkansas.

After moving several times as a young child, his family settled in Navasota, Texas and Richard attended Navasota High School, excelling in academics and athletics, especially track. He was offered scholarships from several universities but ultimately chose to attend Rice University in Houston. Richard was an outstanding track star at Rice and was one of only two people that held the fastest times in the 100 yd dash. The other person was Silas Edward (Eddie) Southern Jr, the man who ended up being his brother-in-law!! He graduated with a degree in business, obtained his CPA certificate and started his accounting career with Texas Instruments in Houston, Texas.

Richard will be remembered as someone who loved being outdoors and gardening. He loved everything about plants and flowers and helping them grow. He also loved “tinkering around” with old cars. It was doing the work himself that brought him so much joy. He loved airplanes. He was a private pilot in his younger years, and even when he stopped flying, he never missed an opportunity to stop and admire all the airplanes at the smaller airports. He loved watching sports on TV, working out at the gym whenever he could, reading, and working on puzzles, too.

Richard faithfully attended church throughout his life and understood the importance of his faith in Christ. In his later years, his faith grew even deeper as he developed a passion for studying the bible and praying with others. God was so faithful and gracious to give him dear friends and strong spiritual mentors. People like Tom and Elaine Allen, who loved him and helped him to deepen his relationship with Christ.

Most of all, Richard will be remembered for his love for his family and friends. He loved interacting with people. He was a good listener, an encourager, and someone who genuinely cared about others and what they were going through. He himself persevered through many hardships and health challenges throughout his life, and in the process, he was strengthened and shaped by God. And now, his legacy of perseverance, compassion, and faith will continue through those who knew and loved him.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James Larry Stone, his nephew Carey Reece Stone, and the mother of his children Norma Jean Southern.

He is survived by his daughters, Julie Cochran (Bob), and Janis Godby (Steve), and his grandchildren, Sarah Sims (Skyler), Amy Jones (Jason), Clint Godby (Katy), Shelly Mannion (Dylan), Cameron Cochran, and Jessy Riddick (Logan). He leaves behind 9 great grandchildren, Wilder, Tillie, Shepherd, Brooks, Spencer, Lucy, Miller, Cooper, Molly, with #10 on the way. He is also survived by his sisters, Gerry Adams (Garry) and Sandy Tarver (Steve), and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 am at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell, Texas. Visitation is from 9:00 to 11:00am, before the service.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a contribution to:

Rebuilding Together Brazos Valley, PO Box 15484, College Station, Texas 77841