William “Bill” Stone was born on August 19, 1943, in Alpena, Michigan, the second son of William J. Stone Sr. and Hildred (Greis) Stone. He was a hardworking, level-headed, joke-cracking gentleman who kept everyone on their toes with his feisty spirit and quick wit.

   Bill was extremely proud of his military service in the United States Navy, serving from 1960 to 1964 aboard the USS Henrico. His impressive collection of vintage Zippo lighters proudly reflected that chapter of his life.

   He built an exceptional career, working for Carnation, General Telephone, Los Angeles County as a Sheriff’s Deputy, Anaheim Police Department Crime Scene as an Investigator, and Concord Police Department Crime Scene as an Investigator.

   On April 26, 1980, Bill married the love of his life, Eloise “Cis” (Risner) Stone whom he's spent the last 45 years with.

   Bill found great joy in sharing experiences with his children and grandchildren. With his first wife, Patty—whom he remained close friends with until her passing in early 2025—he had sons Michael and Kevin (grandsons Brenden and Jacob) and a foster son Chris. With Eloise, he welcomed son Greg (grandchildren Chloe and Dexter), Bill loved teaching them to shoot, hunt, fish, fixing things, and especially rehabbing property. If he didn’t know how to fix something, he figured it out and made it happen.

    After retiring, Bill and Cis moved from the fast-paced life of California to a slower, more peaceful life in Chandler, Arizona, where he passed away on December 9, 2025.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Hildred; his sons, Michael and Chris; and his brother, Jerry.

    For much of his retirement—11 years—Bill bravely endured macular degeneration, which left him nearly unable to see, as well as pancreatic cancer. He never allowed these challenges to dull his spirit or stop him from fighting with everything he had until his final breath.