James M. Stone

James Michael Stone, 69, of Lockhart, went to his eternal rest on Oct. 8, 2014.

He was born in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 8, 1944, to James Lamar and Janie Elizabeth (nee Long) Stone.

Mike attended Lockhart schools for most of his life, moving to Buda and graduating from Buda High School in 1963. He attended Southwest Texas State University, graduating with a degree in Econom

ics in 1968.

It was at SWTSU that he met Gwendylon Doss, who he married on July 28, 1967.

For more than 30 years, Mike was a transport driver for Exxon Mobil. After his retirement from Exxon Mobil, he worked for the Chuck Nash automotive group in San Marcos.

Known as a quiet man of deep thoughts, Mike spent most of his time driving his truck throughout Central Texas. He used that love of driving in his career, having been recognized by Exxon Mobil for driving more than 2 million miles without lost time or a preventable accident. He also was an award-winning driver in “truck rodeos,” throughout his career.

He was an expert on World War II, and one of his favored activities was studying and researching WWII trivia. In other matters of trivia as well, Mike was an expert, and enjoyed trying to stump others with his wealth of information, often using his breadth of knowledge to teach others.

Never a fan of the spotlight, Mike was always one to make sure that his friends and neighbors had a ride to the doctor or the airport. After arranging and enjoying a challenging game of Shanghai Rummy, he always made sure that his companions made it home safely. During those card games, he rarely cared whether he won or lost; though he preferred to win, he was never disappointed to lose to a worthy opponent.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an aunt and uncle, Mr. Elma White and Mrs. Etta White, both of Lockhart.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Gwen, of Lockhart; his son, John Mark Stone, of Euless; brother, Bill Stone, and wife, Marilyn, of Lampassas; brother, Stanley Lillian, of Lockhart; niece, Jeannie Stone, of North Carolina; nephew, Steven Lillian, of Lockhart; several cousins; and a host of caring friends.

A memorial service for Mike will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, at the Lockhart Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Mike’s memory to the Lockhart Church of Christ, the Wounded Warrior Project, Austin Honor Flight, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the care and guidance of McCurdy Funeral Home, Lockhart, Texas.

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