It is with deep sadness and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Thomas (Tom) Russell Stone of Perry, who went to be with the Lord on Aug. 5, 2025, at the Eden Acres campus of the Perry Lutheran Homes at the age of 85.
A celebration of Tom’s life and faith will be held Monday, Aug. 11 at the First Christian Church in Perry at 10:30 a.m., with a brief visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Visitation will also be held Sunday, Aug. 10 from 1-3 p.m. at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home-Perry Chapel, with a masonic service following at 3 p.m.
Born on June 2, 1940, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Marion Bealy and Alta Mae (Russell) Stone, Tom lived a life defined by hard work, humility and unwavering faith.
From his early days, delivering Anderson Erickson milk to many farmsteads in the quiet hours of the morning or driving trucks across countless miles for Pantier Trucking in Perry or making safe roads for the Dallas County Secondary Roads Department, Tom exemplified dedication in every role he undertook.
“Stoney’s” service as a cook in the Iowa Army National Guard reflected both his discipline and his heart for service, nourishing not just the body but the spirit of those around him.
Tom’s life of service led to many other endeavors, such as a meat cutter at Fareway and a driver for Turf Services.
Later in life, Tom answered a deeper calling, becoming a commissioned pastor. His love for the Lord shone through in his ministry, where he preached not only from the pulpit of various local churches but through his everyday actions — always kind, always generous and always steadfast. Whether offering a warm meal, a word of encouragement or a listening ear, his faith was lived, not just spoken.
Tom married his darling wife, Susan (Gliem), on April 13, 1969. He was a loving father to Thomas Jr., Julie and Tammy, and a loyal friend to many.
His sense of humor, quiet strength and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. These could be seen through his time fishing, camping, driving his tractor, watching wrestling or attending one of his children or grandchildren’s events. He never met a stranger.
Tom is survived by his spouse, Susan of Perry; his children, Thomas Jr. (Sarah) of Columbia, Missouri, Julie (Andrew) Hudnell of Ogden and Tammy Ellison of Canton, Missouri; grandchildren, Norah and Meredith Stone, Ashlynd and Brayleigh Hudnell and Patrick (Kristina) of La Belle, Missouri, Isaac, Robert, Elizabeth, Joseph and Alexander Ellison; sister, Marian (Lenore) Wernli Bellevue, Nebraska; and other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, John and Helen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas and Myrtle Gliem; brother-in-law, Robert Wernli; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gerald (Jerry) and Janet Gliem; son-in-law, James (Jim) Ellison; and other family members and friends.
“Well done, good and faithful servant. . . . Enter into the joy of your Lord.”—Matthew 25:23
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Perry Community School Foundation or the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
