Robert E. Stone

Robert "Bob" Eugene Stone, 74, of Green Ridge, MO, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2023, at University Hospital in Columbia, MO. He was born on July 9, 1949, in St. Joseph, MO, the son of Vernon Stone and Annetta Lee (Hicks) Stone, who preceded him in death.

On August 10, 1978, in Hughesville, MO, he was united in marriage to Joy Saul, who resides in the home.

The life he lived is the legacy he leaves. Bob Stone’s Life and Legacy

Bob was a native of the St. Joseph, Missouri, area and graduated from Maysville High School in 1967. He attended Central Missouri State College and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education in November of 1970, and then in 1975 he earned his master's in Elementary Administration and Supervision.

Bob began his teaching career in the Green Ridge School District in December of 1970 as a fourth grade teacher. Before the start of the 1971 school year, he was asked to serve the district as the elementary principal, librarian, counselor and nurse, as well as teach most seventh grade core classes. That same year, he began coaching junior high volleyball and high school softball which he continued to do for 13 and 20 years, respectively. He spent his entire career at Green Ridge as a classroom teacher for 20 years and retired after 34 years as the elementary principal. As a teacher, principal and coach he had no equal in seeking the best results.

Bob’s philosophy as a principal was to hire the best teachers available and help them become the best teacher they could be. He believed in knowing his students and maintained a high visibility in his building. He worked to build a relationship with his students' parents and grandparents, while utilizing their support in developing a positive learning environment. He could often be found filling snack machines or organizing a kickball tournament to help raise funds for just about anything! He took pride in helping all students use their academic and athletic skills to receive quality college educations.

Bob was named the Principal of the Year in 2004 by the Central Division for the State of Missouri in which he was an active member. He was also a founder of the Kaysinger Math and Spelling Bee Competition while a member of the Kaysinger Conference Elementary Principals Association.

As an active community member of the Green Ridge community, Bob served on numerous boards and committees. In 1971, alongside Larry Barb and Mary Yunt, he worked to organize the Green Ridge Recreational Organization where for many years he continued to serve as a board member, coach, umpire, and groundskeeper. His contribution to the Green Ridge community will be long remembered as one giving his all.

A legend in the volleyball community, Coach Bob Stone began his coaching career in 1971 when he agreed to coach junior high volleyball. Knowing the program had gone without a win for two years, he worked to instill the confidence and persistence it took to be successful. Three years later, he added high school volleyball and established a long-standing program of success. Year after year, he pushed the Lady Tigers and expected the best out of every player, every night, every game, every practice. One key factor to his always defensive minded teams was their willingness to work hard and their will to win.

Coach Stone and the Lady Tigers have shared many proud moments over the years. In 1976, the Tigers went 21-1 when their only loss of the season came to class 4, Oak Park, in the state sectionals before the current classification system was adopted. He led the Lady Tigers to the Class 1 Final Four in 1988 and 1989 with both teams finishing 2nd in the state. Back at the state tournament as an assistant to Coach Brandon Wallace in 2002, the Lady Tigers once again finished 2nd in the state.

Bob had special memories of each player and every team he coached and that is what kept him coming back because their enthusiasm kept him younger than he really was. He compiled over 700 varsity wins, was named the 1989 Missouri Volleyball Coach of the Year, and in 2010 was awarded the Peggy Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award by the Missouri State Volleyball Coaches Association. He coached volleyball a total of 40 years, took pride in knowing his players, was a mentor to many, and was much more than a coach to his players. He helped shape the work ethic that continues to carry his players through life challenges: find a way, always work hard, and never stop trying to be the best you can be.

What little leisure time Bob found, he spent it with his wife, Joy, of 45 years, on their farm in the country outside of Green Ridge. They shared a common love of their pets and other animals including chickens and pygmy goats. Bob operated a small business, Kid Connection. The business name reflected his life long interest in children as well as sports cards and his goat kids.

In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his fur baby, Jade Stone.

A celebration of life gathering with family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. October 16, 2023, at Rea Funeral Chapel.

Honorary bearers will be Kenneth and Beverly Ollison, Allan Rohrbach, Larry Barb, Lori Larimore, and Mindy Cowart.

In lieu of plants and flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Green Ridge School Education Foundation or Antioch Fellowship Church in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.