Joseph Leroy Stone, 83, of Mexico, passed away on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at his home.

Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 15, at Arnold Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Jones officiating. Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park.

Visitation is Monday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Joseph was born on June 8, 1938 in Wellsville, Missouri, the son of Peter Harrison and Mary Ellen (Rice) Stone. On September 9, 1960 in Vandalia, he married Betty J. Hurshman.

Mr. Stone was a 1956 graduate of Wellsville High School. He was a paratrooper in the U.S. Army and served 6 months in Beirut.

While attending mechanic school, Joe worked for Wholesome Bread Company. In 1966, he began working at A.P. Greens, retiring in 1999 as the Loading Department Supervisor.

Joe was a member of Lockewood Park Baptist Church. He loved golfing, hunting, fishing and camping.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Stone of the home; three children, Brenda Stone of Mexico, Christine Jones of Mexico, and David Stone of Springfield; six grandchildren, MaryBeth (Michael) Ferguson of Mexico, Paula Carlisle of Las Vegas, NV, Matthew Jones of Las Vegas, NV, Crystal Lanphier of Mexico, Jonathan O'Connor of Mexico, and Kaylee (Blake) Kobel of Springfield; eight great-grandchildren, Cullen, Caleb and Madilynn Ferguson, Mason and Aubrey Carlisle, Evelyn Lanphier, and Tanner and Trenton O'Connor; one brother, Jim Stone of Columbia; and one sister, Sue (Murray) Hardesty of Columbia.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Mary Stone; two brothers, Charlie Stone and Harold Stone; and three sisters, Agnes Marshall, Marie Robbins and Helen Stone.

Memorial donations may be made to the Missouri Veterans Home or the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia. All may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.