Rev. Herman Stone, Sr., of Wheatfield, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2016 at Southlake Methodist Hospital in Merrillville. He was born in Decoy, Kentucky on September 16, 1923, son of the late Kelly and Verdie (Smith) Stone. He grew up in Knott County, Kentucky and on September 2, 1944, in Decoy, he married his wife of 67 years, Louella (Bradley) Stone. She preceded him in death on May 9, 2011. Herman and Louella moved to Indiana in the 1940s.

Herman was a minister who loved the Lord and preaching the Gospel. He was the pastor of the Emmanuel First Love Baptist Church in Medaryville for many years. He was also a moderator at numerous other churches in northern Indiana and down in Kentucky. In addition to being a pastor, he worked as a carpenter. He enjoyed gardening, raising animals on the farm, fishing, coon hunting, and running the roads to Kentucky. He also enjoyed music: singing, playing the guitar, and picking his banjo.

Herman is survived by his loving family: eight children: Charles T. (Marilyn Kay) Stone, Wayne (Betty) Stone, Herman (Dianne) Stone, Jr., Bruce Stone, James (Judy) Stone, Steven (Sandra Kay) Stone, Mike (Amy) Stone, and Sylvania (Charles) Hershman; one brother, Thurman (Darlene) Stone; one sister, Maxine Heims; many grandchildren; and many, many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Kelly and Verdie Stone; wife Louella Stone; daughter Bonnie Jean Stone; two granddaughters, Autumn Renee Stone and Lisa Stone; and five sisters.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. (Central Time) at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer with Pastor Monroe Jones, Pastor James Rowe, and Pastor Etsie Allen officiating. Interment will follow at Independence Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.

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