Wilbur Alan Stone

Wilbur Alan Stone was born on November 13, 1939 to Naomi Idelle (Blair) Stone and Wilbur Hatton Stone in Sterling City, Texas. He went to be with our Heavenly Father on January 21, 2021.

Wilbur was predeceased by his parents and wife, Naida Ann Bailey of Neodesha, Kansas.

Left to cherish his memory is his sister, Ginger Sue (Stone) Cowan of La Porte, Texas; nieces Jeanie Cowan of Kapolei, Hawaii; Jamie Cowan Orlando and husband J. Andrew Orlando of League City, Texas, grand niece, Madeline Lucille, grand nephew James Stone (Stoney); brother in law Graham Baily and wife Kathy of Lawrence, Kansas; Jeff Bailey of Denver, Colorado; and very special friend, Nancy Thornberry of College Station, Texas; also many cousins and a host of friends.

Wilbur graduated from Sterling City High school in 1958 as valedictorian of his class. He then went on to earn his BS in Geology at Texas Western University in El Paso, Texas. He attended University of Kansas earning his MS in Geology where he also met his loving wife, Naida.

Will and Naida married in 1965. They were married for 46 years until she passed away in 2011.

Will went to work for Exxon in 1965 after graduating from KU. After a short period in the states, Will spent his entire career with Exxon working in various parts of Asia, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Russia. After retiring, Will and Naida made their home in Magnolia, Texas.

In his younger years, he enjoyed roaming the land around Sterling City with his good friend, Jim Davis, hunting arrowheads.

Will was an observant and inquisitive man and had a proclivity for crosswords puzzles, studying the family genealogy, reading all things historical, trying new wines and beers, cooking, and traveling. He also enjoyed collecting and researching artifacts and had a special interest in nautical items.

He will always be remembered as a loving and generous individual with a quiet presence and full of knowledge. His raspy laughter will always resonate in our memories.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for everyone's love, support, and prayers during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request that donations be made to Will's charities – American Cancer Society, Cal Farley Boys Ranch, and Houston SPCA.