Milton J. Stone, of Buchanan
Published 9:42 am Monday, April 9, 2018
SFC Milton J. Stone, U. S. Army, Ret’d, 81, of Buchanan, Michigan died unexpectedly at 4:44 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at his home.
He was born on Dec. 26, 1936, in Alabama, and was a son of Milton J. and Marissa Stone.
Sergeant First Class Milton JoeStone US Army
He was graduated from Monterey (California) High School, and later joined the United States Army in which he served for more than 22 years. More than half of his service was at foreign stations, and he was highly decorated including the Bronze Star Medal with an additional Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.
He retired in 1982 as a Veteran of the Vietnam Era. He continued to serve as a contractor to the Department of Defense for the RCA Corporation, helping to establish early optic fiber technology in Germany. He finally retired to Buchanan in 2003.
Milt was passionate to learn, which was evident in his reading and watching movies about military history, and completing college courses while in the military. At each foreign post, he became fluent in the local language. He also cared about his family and friends, and used his knowledge in interesting – and not boring – conversation.
On May 1, 1973, at Fort Campbell in Clarksville, Tennessee, he married the former Dagmar Marie Schmitz with whom “Stoney” celebrated last year the forty-fourth anniversary of their wedding.
He is survived by his wife, Dagmar Stone, and by a daughter, Cheryl Vinnedge of Niles, and grandchildren Michael and Courtney.
He was preceded in death by his father Milton J. (& Marissa) Stone, who raised him; and his son-in-law, Gary Vinnedge of Niles.
The Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be read for Milton Stone at noon on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles, Michigan, by the Rev. Christian Johnston of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles. The service will conclude outside with Full Military Honors by the United States Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan. The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Sergeant First Class Milton J. Stone, U. S. Army wished to be laid to rest with his military brothers at Arlington National Cemetery. Due to his remarkable service record, he is eligible for full earth burial rites with military honors, which will be completed according to the cemetery’s schedule later this summer. Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home will shelter his remains until the appointed time, and will announce that schedule when appropriate.
Contributions in memory of Milt may be made to the Niles Riverfront Veteran’s Memorial, c/o Niles City Hall, 333 North Second Street, Niles, Michigan 49120. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com
