Gary Earl Stone

Gary Stone passed away on May 29th at his home, surrounded by his family.

Gary was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 15, 1947, to loving parents Earl and Lois Stone. At a young age, his family moved to Waukee, Iowa, where he completed high school. He went on to attend Grand View College, where he played basketball, before transferring to University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. There, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education and met Linda, who would become his wife of 54 years.

Gary and Linda married on June 12,1971 and built a life centered on faith and family in Keenesburg, Colorado. Together they raised their sons, Jeff and Brian.

A dedicated teacher and coach, Gary taught Colorado History, Driver’s Education, and Physical Education at Weld Central High School for 32 years. He also coached basketball, football, baseball, and track. Gary treasured the opportunity to coach his sons, and later coached alongside them at Weld Central High School. As head basketball coach for 24 years, his Rebel teams never had a losing season, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and athletes.

While his career was a source of pride, Gary considered his family his greatest accomplishment. His greatest joys were found in the time he spent with those he loved most.

After retiring in 2003, Gary and Linda moved to Greeley and enjoyed what he called his “overtime”, the years spent making memories with their growing family. Nothing brought him greater happiness than being a grandfather to Jaden, Hannah, Lucas, and Marek, whose lives and accomplishments filled him with immense pride. Thanks to the love of his family, his “overtime” was fulfilled beyond measure.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Earl Stone, and his mother, Lois Stone- Bannister. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Stone; sons Jeffrey (Lori) Stone and Brian (Courtney) Stone; his grandchildren Jaden, Hannah, Lucas, and Marek; and his brother Larry (Marcia) Stone.

Gary’s service will be held on Friday, June 5, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (1800 21st Avenue, Greeley, CO). A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers and plants, the family invites those who wish to honor Gary’s memory to make a donation to Our Savior’s Lutheran Giving ://our-saviours.org/breeze-giving-form/; or The University of Northern Colorado Baseball Diamond Club, or to York University Attn: Baseball Program (1125 East 8th Street, York, NE, 68476) https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/0/inbox/id/AAQkADlkNWFhZjllLTBhZmMtNGZiYy05MWUwLTQ5MWNmZDViZmE3ZQAQADlUyonPqvFGpd5YA8tHOsE%3D?deeplink=mail%2F0%2F#:~:text=Savior%E2%80%99s%20Lutheran%20Church-,University%20of%20Northern%20Colorado%20Baseball%20Diamond%20Club,-We%20truly%20appreciate