John Stone

John R. Stone, 73, died Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne.  He was prayed into his Father’s arms by his wife Peggy of 51 years, his son Don, and his daughter Christie (Stone) Rodriguez.  John fought a hard battle against Covid-19 but ultimately his body succumbed to the illness and he found rest with his heavenly father.  

John was born in Glen Falls, New York on January 28, 1947. Betty and Elmer Harmon raised John for the majority of his younger years in Louisiana before the family moved to Garrett, Indiana where he met his teenage sweetheart Peggy.   This southern boy known as Johnny Harmon or “Johnny Rebel” then enlisted in the US Army and fought beside his friends in the Vietnam War.  John and Peggy soon married after his return and had their first son, Don, then a few years later Christie was born completing their family.  The Stone’s attended Garrett First Baptist Church all their years in Garrett where John was very active and could be found leading the singing or shaking a hand.  When not in church you would find John on a baseball diamond or golf course.  

In the late 90’s John and Peg relocated to Warsaw, IN fulfilling their dream of owning a bit of land and having a yard for grandkids to play in one day.  John could often be seen playing on the swingset, running in the yard, hosting Easter Egg hunts, playing kickball, or having a water fight with his grandkids - just enjoying their laughter and making memories with them.  John and Peg also found a new church home in New Hope Free Will Baptist Church where a small memorial was held on January 30, 2021.   

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Peggy; children: Don & Carla Stone, Christie (Stone) & Justin Rodriguez; 6 grandchildren; siblings: Joe & Martha Harmon, Steve & Mary Lou Harmon, Tonya (Harmon) & Tad Dickerson.  John is preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Betty Harmon, and his brother Ken Harmon. 

Because John’s death was unexpected and he was in good health prior to this, it has come as a financial shock for the family.  A gofundme has been created to support the financial stress this has caused the family in lieu of flowers.  https://gofund.me/c10ed373  The family plans to hold a celebration of life this summer when it is safer for those who wish to attend to pay their respect and come together to share stories remembering John.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Stone, please visit our floral store.