Harold Stones

Harold Allen Stones, 92, Topeka, Kansas, named 2011 Kansan of the Year by Kansas Native Sons and Daughters and described by Senator Pat Roberts as “a common man with an uncommon ability to make a difference in people’s lives,” passed away Thursday, November 30, 2023. Harold was born to Glen and Henrietta Stones, in Smith County, Kansas, on the family farm homesteaded by his great-grandfather, Rev. J.T. Stones. After graduating from Lebanon High School in 1949, he attended Fort Hays Kansas State College (now Fort Hays State University) for one year followed by a year teaching in a one-room country schoolhouse. Harold honorably served our country in the US Air Force for four years before returning to complete his education at Fort Hays, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees there. He remained there to teach Speech and he coached the debate team to national finals at West Point, then served as Director of Alumni Affairs and Student Placement. In 1995 he received the Fort Hays Outstanding Alumni Award. Harold was employed by the Kansas Bankers Association for 30 years, first as Director of Research and retiring as Executive Vice-President. In 1997 he was a volunteer in a group that included Larry Williams of Halstead, who traveled to Bosnia after the war to help restructure their financial system and form the Bosnia Bankers Association. He joined Senator Pat Robert’s staff as Special Projects Director from 1997 until 2021; his primary duties included being a liaison with military bases in Kansas. In the conflicts following 9/11, Harold was Sen. Roberts ambassador attending many military funerals of those fallen veterans. In recognition of his concern for these soldiers and their families, he was inducted as an honorary member of the Audie Murphy Club. In 2009 he received the Commander’s Award for Public Service from the Department of the Army. On December 12, 1977, Harold and Patricia Hefner were united in marriage, enjoying almost 46 years together. She survives. Other survivors include his children, Chuck Stones (Sandy), Rick Stones (Ronda) and Janie Gray (Peter); grandchildren, Alicia Elliott (Jim), Rick Stones (Randi), Steven Stones (Bridgette), Erica Stones, and Hannah Smith (Chris); nine great-grandchildren; and nieces, Judy and Gaynelle. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Kitty Stones, his brother, Charles, sister-in-law, Ardith, and niece, Sue. Funeral service, with military honors, will be 11 a.m. Thursday, December 7, at Countryside United Methodist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Inurnment will be private at Mount Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Harold A. Stones Family Scholarship Fund at Fort Hays State University, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Harold Stones

October 29, 1931 - November 30, 2023