Charles William Stone

Charles "Charley" W. Stone

Charles William Stone 94, formerly of Marshalltown, IA, passed away after a brief illness, December 31, 2014, in Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center, Topeka, KS. Charles was born March 15, 1920, at Bussey, IA to Irma Gladys Vaughan and William Byron Stone. Charles and Vivian May Fields were united in marriage at Central Methodist Church on October 26, 1940, at Oskaloosa, IA. Charles and Vivian met and fell in love while at Oskaloosa High School. The couple also lived at Oskaloosa, IA and Monmouth, IL. Charles and his wife Vivian moved to Topeka in 2008, and resided in Aldersgate Village to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; Vivian, his wife of nearly 73 years, his sisters, Ida Lucille (John) Dalton, Marvel Vaughan, his brother Robert (Jan) and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He is survived by his daughter, Judy Kay Wunder, son-in-law, Dr. Gene C. Wunder of Topeka. granddaughters Lara A. Wunder, Sara E. (Spencer) Steward, a great-grandson, Charles "Charlie" S. Steward, and step-great-grandsons Nicholas and Tyler Steward, all of Florida and sister-in-law, Mrs. Annie (John) Fields, Tucson, AZ. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Charles graduated Oskaloosa High School in 1939. He was a World War II veteran, serving in Europe with the 746th Railway Operating Battalion as a locomotive engineer. He was employed with the M & St L Railroad, and after a merger, with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. He also served as a traveling engineer while with the M & St. L. Charles retired in 1980, after completing a 39 year career as a railroader. Charles was honored in 2010 as a 50 year member of Marshall Lodge No. 108, A.F. & A.M. at Marshalltown, IA.

Charles and Vivian traveled to all states except Alaska. They enjoyed being snowbirds in Phoenix, AZ before and after retirement. Both were avid golfers and participated in many Iowa amateur tournaments, playing well into their 80s. Charles liked to hunt and fish. He and Vivian enjoyed canoeing and were quite proud of their Old Town fiberglass canoe which they paddled on many Iowa rivers and lakes. In later years, Charles learned to use a computer and the Internet to keep in touch with family and friends in Marshalltown and Germany.

He was cremated and internment is planned at Riverside Cemetery, Marshalltown, IA, at a later date.

A Memorial Gathering was held, Sunday, January 4, 2015, from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M at Aldersgate Village, Topeka, KS. The family requests no flowers. Condolences may be sent to Judy K. Wunder, 3611 SW Blue Inn Road, Topeka, KS 66614