grave import

Obituary

Franklin Arley Stoner, 79, of Burlington for the past 1 1/2 years, and in the late 1940's and early 1950's, formerly of Humboldt, Centerville, Iowa Falls, and Mission, Texas, died at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2000, at Mother of St. Francis Hospital in Tyler, Texas. Born Feb. 8, 1921, in Fontanelle, he was the son of Arley and Amy Ellison Stoner. He married Virginia Mae DeFosse on Oct. 2, 1949, in Burlington. She died Oct. 24, 2000. Mr. Stoner was a graduate of Bridgewater (Iowa) High School and the University of Iowa, with a degree in business. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He retired in 1978 from Goodyear Tire Co. after 16 years, serving in Burlington, Centerville, and as district manager in Iowa Falls. He also owned and operated Stoner's A & W Restaurant in Humboldt for many years. He was a longtime member of Humboldt United Church of Christ, and attended St. Luke United Church of Christ in Burlington. He also was a member of Golden Oldies, Elks Lodge 1674 in Iowa Falls for 46 years, and American Legion Post 119 in Humboldt. He helped the elderly in his retirement. Survivors include two daughters, Pamela Opheim of Harlan, and Susan Stoner of Salem, Ore.; three sons, Dennis Stoner of Woodbine, Michael Stoner of Humboldt, and Mark Stoner of St. Louis, Mo.; nine grandchildren; two sisters, Marie Stewart of Chula Vista, Calif., and Lorna Wegert of Villa Park, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday in Lunning Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. The funeral for Mr. Stoner will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Luke United Church of Christ, with the Rev. Vicki Engelmann officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery, with military rites conducted by VFW Posts 10102 and 9162. A memorial service will be in Humboldt at a later date. A memorial has been established for the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.