Leon Nelson Stone

Leon Nelson Stone passed away June 27, at his home in Mineral Wells, Texas, days before his 94th birthday.  Leon’s health was in decline for several weeks, which he spent in the presence of his loved ones before his passing.  

Leon was the ultimate gentleman who deeply loved his family and friends and would do anything to help anyone in need.  Leon was an enthusiastic hunter, fisherman, golfer and gardener.   He grew and shared homegrown tomatoes, peaches, plums and his family favorite “Papa’s wild plum jelly”.   Leon took great joy at watching his grandkids ride his lawnmower and go-cart, and chuckled as they ran into his windmill, trees and fences. 

Leon was born July 8, 1929 in Menard, Texas to Milda Lee Stone (later Finley) and Leon Nelson Stone Sr. He attended Menard schools before attending Texas A&M University.  Leon drove a Harley Davidson Indian motorcycle during his youth and would ride to San Angelo, Texas to see his fiancé Helen Beth Meador, who he later married in 1952. Leon joined the Navy and spent most of his tours at sea.  Leon and Helen had two children in San Angelo, Thomas “Tommy” Lee Stone in 1955, who passed away in 2003, and Terri Lynn Stone Fant born in 1956.  Leon and Helen raised their children in San Angelo, where Leon worked for Monarch Tile for his entire career and where they made many lifelong friends.  Leon spent quality time with his children growing up and especially loved coaching Tommy’s little league baseball team.  Leon and Helen later moved to Las Vegas, NV. and San Antonio, TX. before permanently retiring to Mineral Wells to be near their children in Fort Worth. Leon and Helen had wonderful and happy times during their entire lives together. Helen passed away in 2001.  Leon later married Sharleen Stewart in Mineral Wells where they have lived happily since.   

Leon is survived by his wife, Sharleen; his granddaughter, (Tommy’s daughter)  Ashley Stone White, husband Aaron and her children Carter and Grace; his daughter Terri Stone Fant and her husband John; their son  John Thomas “JT” Fant, his wife Zibby Elizabeth and their children, Allie and John William; granddaughter, Samantha Fant;  granddaughter Kelly Fant Goodwin, husband Stephen and their children Everett and Banks. Leon also had three siblings, sister Eoline (deceased), and brothers Jack and James. 

Leon was a loving and sincere person in life, and his family is proud and honored to have had him in their lives. Private services pending for immediate family.  

 “Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.  Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.’” John 11:25-26