Ernest Holt Stone, 88, of Galesburg, died at 12:44 p.m. Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
Ernie was born June 3, 1934 at home in Colchester, Illinois the son of Thomas Henry and Nina Dell (Holt) Stone. Ernie entered the US Army on September 5, 1956 and married Marlene Ann Williams on July 27, 1957 in Macomb, Illinois. He was honorably discharged on August 17, 1957.
Ernie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marlene; one son, Thomas Stone of Yates City, Illinois; three daughters, Maria Stone of Galesburg, Susan (Doug) Curtis of Waukesha, Wisconsin, and Angela (Gary) Osborn of Avon, Illinois. Ernie is also survived by four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and one sister, Norma Stone of Springfield, Illinois. Along with his parents, Ernie was preceded in death by one son, Gregory Stone; two brothers, George and Henry; and four sisters, Bernice Gates, Doris Curless, Emma Endsley, and Dorothy Miller.
Ernie worked early on as a janitor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Galesburg and went on to a 30 plus year career as a fork truck driver at Gates Rubber Co., retiring in 1999. Ernie was of the catholic faith, attending Corpus Christi Church and later Immaculate Heart of Mary. He was a member of Father JO Hunt Council 556 Knights of Columbus. Ernie loved driving around the countryside enjoying all of natures beauty. When he was younger Ernie enjoyed many trips coon hunting with his friends. He loved listening to classical music, and always had the radio on every evening. He loved animals especially dogs and birds. Most of all, Ernie enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.
Graveside services will be 11:30 a.m. Monday, October 24, 2022 at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Deacon Michael Crummer will officiate. A luncheon and fellowship will follow the service at the Thomas Legacy Center, 1849 N. Seminary St., Galesburg, IL. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Knox County Humane Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
