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, Nov. 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 of teaching in a one-room country schoolhouse. Harold honorably served our country in the U.S. 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. Robert’s ambassador, attending many military funerals of those fallen soldiers. 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 Dec. 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, was at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 7, at Countryside United Methodist Church. Inurnment was private at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Harold Stones Scholarship Fund at Fort Hays State University. For questions or to make a gift, please contact Jason Williby at the FHSU Foundation at jjwilliby3@fhsu.edu or (785) 628-5701 or go to foundation.fhsu.edu.
