Richard Gene Stoneman

Richard Gene Stoneman, 86, of Perrinton, Michigan passed away on Friday, May 1, 2015, at Grace Haven Assisted Living Center, St. Johns, Michigan.

Richard "Dick" Stoneman was born on November 5, 1928 in Gratiot County to the late Grant William and Lola Fern (Warren) Stoneman and lived his entire life in the mid-Michigan area.

In 1946, Dick graduated from Fulton High School, Middleton, Michigan where he met Audrey Vaughn. On February 26, 1949, they were married in St. Johns, Michigan. Together they raised three children on the family farm near Pompeii, Michigan.

Dick farmed all of his life, planting and harvesting corn, beans, wheat and hay. He also raised/milked holsteins. Pigs, sheep, and chickens were also part of the farm. Dick always loved the out-of-doors and the farming life.

In 2003, Dick was granted a Veteran Life Membership in recognition of more than 45 consecutive years' membership in the Michigan Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.), Pompeii site. During those years, Dick held various offices within the I.O.O.F. and participated in many events and fundraisers. Over the years, Dick was also a member of the Washington Township Board.

In his free time, Dick enjoyed playing cards, camping, hunting, fishing, tractor and horse pulling. Dick enjoyed camping with Audrey, their children, grandchildren and other family members, including Audrey's sisters, husbands, & their families, spending many fun times at Higgins and Mullet Lakes. Dick especially took pleasure in going to the Upper Peninsula where he and Audrey would join their friends to enjoy the playing and singing of blue grass music.

Dick is survived by his wife, Audrey; their three children, Julie (David) Stain of St. Johns, Lance (Jacalyn) Stoneman of Ithaca, and Connie (Vic) Upton of St. Johns; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his brother, Carl Stoneman; sisters-in-law, Beverly Johnson, Mereta Loudenbeck and Edna Vaughn; brothers-in-law, Omar Garberson and Don Loudenbeck; nephew, Val Loudenbeck; and great-grandson, Braydon Upton.

The family wishes to thank all the staff of Grace Haven Assisted Living Center and Hospice Advantage for providing such excellent care to Dick.

Dick's funeral service will be held at the Barden Funeral Home, Ithaca, Michigan at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2015 with Pastor Kathryn Leydorf-Keck officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Barden Funeral Home on Monday, May 4, 2015, between 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

The graveside service and burial will be held at the Fulton Center Cemetery, Fulton Township, Alger Road, Gratiot County. Following the graveside services, there will be a luncheon served at the Pompeii United Methodist Church, 135 W. Burton Street, Pompeii, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to either of the following organizations:

Pompeii United Methodist Church c/o Glenda Braman, Treasurer 6569 S. Croswell Road Ashley, Michigan 48806

Gratiot County Historical and Genealogical Society 228 W. Center Street Ithaca, Michigan 48847