Delmar W. Stone

Delmar W. Stone, age 90, a lifelong Washington Township resident, passed away peacefully at his home on Christmas morning, Friday, December 25, 2020 while surrounded by family, holding his wife’s hand. Delmar was born September 14, 1930 in Baxter, Tennessee, the son of Carnal and Ada (Nash) Stone. He married the love of his life, Eleanor (Ellie) Kaczwara, on November 25, 1950 at St Lawrence Catholic Church in Utica and they privately renewed their vows for their 70th anniversary. Delmar was a devoted husband and committed family man. He was also an avid and well traveled hunter, a Christian, and a southern boy at heart. As a lifelong fan of country music, he loved to listen and sing along, and his rendition of “Wabash Cannonball” is well known amongst friends, family, and anyone who would listen. When he was very young, Delmar loved working on the farm, and his first job was working on a tractor at the historic Octagon House in Washington Twp. He continued farming through his life, always giving away his produce to friends and family. As a respected local businessman, he owned and operated Texaco Service Station, Stone Sports and Marine, Honda City Dealership, Washington Square Apartments, War-Del Motel, Mackinaw Motor Court, and Parkside Real Estate. Whatever business Del was involved in, he said the customer is always right. He was a kind and generous man who never met a stranger. He took great pride in being a man of his word and was well loved by everyone because of it. Over the years, Delmar belonged to numerous organizations such as Freemasons, Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, The Shriners, The Order of the Eastern Star as a Past Worthy Patron, and life member and past president of The Lions Club of Washington where he was actively involved with Leader Dogs of the Blind. Delmar is survived by his wife Ellie and two daughters: Tracie (James) Steinmetz of Romeo & Tamara Stone of Macomb Township. His grandchildren were the joy of his life: Darin Steinmetz of Indiana, Raeshelle (James) Percival of Connecticut, Corry Steinmetz of Ann Arbor, Amber (Waldorf—Miller) of Almont & Ashley (Alex Cook) Waldorf of Ohio and great-grandchildren RJ Stone, Lilly, Andrew, Gracie & James Percival and Noah, Nathan & Nicolas Miller. Delmar was preceded in death by his grandson Ryan Steinmetz Stone, along with brothers Damon & Eldon. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 8pm and Wednesday 2 to 7pm. Burial will follow at Davis Cemetery in Ray Twp, Michigan. Donations can be made to the Leader Dog of the Blind in Rochester, Michigan or the Shriners Hospital. Due to Covid concerns, masks are mandatory, only 30 people are allowed at a time at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home.