Freddie J. “Fred” Stone of Umatilla died on Oct. 2, 2018 in Spokane, Wash. at the age of 84.
He was born on June 5, 1934 in Omak, Wash. to Walter and Beulah Fulford Stone.
He was raised and attended school in Chelan, Wash., graduating from Chelan High School in 1952. Fred was united in marriage to Jean L. Crill on Nov. 7, 1953 in Chelan. They moved to Umatilla in 1974, where they have lived since.
Fred worked as a carpenter and at Valley Tractor in Wenatchee for a short time. He later went to work for Guenther Irrigation in Pasco and Othello, which led him to work for Valmont Northwest, an irrigation supply company in Pasco, Wash. He worked there in sales, where he received a salesman of the year award and formed lifelong working relationships and friendships with many of the area farmers until retiring in 2000. Fred was a member of the Hermiston Elks Lodge #1845 and volunteer fireman in Moses Lake, Wash. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed watching sports, camping, playing cards, reading, and telling stories and jokes.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean Stone, Umatilla; daughters, Cheree Stephens, East Wenatchee, Wash. and Lori (Don) Thornton, Boise, Idaho; son, Vince (Katrina) Stone, Hermiston; grandchildren, Jamie, Natasha, Shayla, Justin, Tiffany and Jennifer; step grandchildren, Kara, Kayla and Jessica; nine great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, George and Allen Stone; and son-in-law, Gary “Archie” Stephens.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Those who wish may make contributions in Fred’s memory to American Diabetes Association at 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, Va., 22202.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
