Thomas "Sonny" Ralph Stone, III

Thomas Ralph Stone, III, affectionately known as "Sonny" to his friends and family, passed away peacefully at his home in Coweta, OK, on Thursday evening, May 22, 2025. He was born on May 9, 1940, in Muskogee, OK to Thomas Ralph Stone, Jr. and Mary Sue (Lipp) Stone.

Sonny attended Coweta schools and graduated from Coweta High School in 1958. His thirst for knowledge led him to Northeastern State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Education and taught Industrial Arts. Sonny's educational pursuits laid the foundation for a diverse and fulfilling career. He began as a shop class teacher at Clinton Middle School, where he inspired young minds with his hands-on approach to learning.

Beyond teaching, Sonny's entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly. He was a skilled home builder and developer and managed oil wells, contributing to the growth and development of his community. His love for games and social gatherings was evident in his ownership of the Corner Pocket Pool Hall in Coweta and Haskell when he was younger. Sonny's connection to the land was deep-rooted, as he was also a dedicated farmer, cultivating sod, soybean, wheat, and alfalfa. For the past 22 years, he proudly owned and operated “Stone Washed” Car Wash in Coweta.

Sonny's life was filled with love and companionship. He married his beloved wife, Sharon Diane Stone, at the First United Methodist Church in Coweta on June 2, 1961. Together, they shared a life full of joy and exploration. Sonny's adventurous spirit led him to obtain his pilot's license, and he relished the freedom of flying. He enjoyed deep-sea fishing, golfing, and cherished traveling with Sharon, their children, and family and friends. Their shared memories at the lake were among the many highlights of their life together.

Sonny's legacy is carried on by his loving family. He is survived by his children, Janet Tucker and husband Roy of Coweta, OK, Kathy Gilstrap and husband Billy of Catoosa, OK, and Ben Stone of Wagoner, OK; his grandchildren, Collin Fitzgerald and wife Jaimi and Lauren Harrison and husband Ethan; his four great-grandchildren, Elliott Harrison, Jake Fitzgerald, Liam Harrison, and Hannah Fitzgerald; his sister, Peggy Hughes and husband Bryan of Coweta, OK; his niece, Sonne Hoover; and several cousins and other relatives.

Sonny was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Sharon Diane Stone, his parents, Thomas Ralph Stone, Jr. and Mary Sue (Lipp) Boyd, and his nephew, Jeff Hughes.

Sonny's life was a testament to the power of love, the value of hard work, and the importance of community. His warm smile, generous spirit, and zest for life will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A graveside service celebrating Sonny's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Vernon Cemetery in Coweta, OK, with Chaplain Tim Busch officiating.

Those wishing to share memories or leave condolences may do so online at www.brownfamilycares.com. Sonny's family has entrusted his care and services to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515.