Lonnie E. Stone

Lonnie E. “Lon” Stone, 86, of Highland, IL, passed away at Cedarhurst of Highland on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

He was born on March 9, 1939, in St. Louis, MO, to Loren E. and Edna J. (nee AuBuchon) Stone. Lon married his first wife, Marie Gaudette, after graduating from High School and enlisted in the US Army shortly thereafter. He completed a 3-year enlistment, moved back to Granite City, IL, and started his 33-year career with the US Post Office in Granite City, as a mail carrier.

Lon was a loving father to 3 children. He spent many years participating with Boy Scouts as a scout master, earning several awards for his dedication to enriching the lives of many boy scouts in the Metro East. He enjoyed fishing, boating, and camping with his family. Lon moved his family to Highland, IL, in 1972, and discovered a new passion for riding horses.

In 1984, he married Marilyn Smiddy of Granite City, IL, and became the loving husband and stepfather to her four children. They later moved to Alhambra, IL, where they would enjoy 10 wonderful years together, often hosting their entire blended family for fishing, good food, and great fun.

Lon’s passion for horses evolved through competing, trail riding, and camping. He was able to camp and trail ride with friends and family until nearly 80 years of age. Lon never met a stranger and was a fun, entertaining, and all-around great guy to all who met him. He will be dearly missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Stone; parents, Loren and Edna Stone; daughter, Dawn Fischer; stepson, Keith Smiddy; granddaughter, Kimura Halbrook; and sister, Patsy Canimore.

Lon is survived by his children, Scott Stone, Antioch, TN, and Robin (Tim) Zeller, Highland, IL; stepchildren, Mark (Janet) Smiddy, Granite City, IL, Greg (Debbie) Smiddy, Scottsville, KY, and Shelly (Jerry) Halbrook, Granite City, IL; 9 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that any donations be made to Wounded Warrior Project, Parkinson’s Foundation, or Metro East Humane Society.

Visitation: Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 8:00 to 10:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Funeral Service: Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 10:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Clergy: Pastor Chuck Kurfman

Interment: Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 12:30 pm, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL