Calvin L. Stoner

Calvin Lill Stoner was born October 15, 1929 at home in Gordon, TX to Wallace C and Cynthia Myrtle Tilghman Stoner. He was the third child with older siblings being Syble and Herman. Herbert was the last child to this couple. His mother died 9-30-1933. His dad married Mary Louise Jones 5-25-1934. They later had 2 more children, Don and Mike.
As a child he spent his leisure time on a bicycle, climbing the surrounding hills, digging caves and just having fun. He belonged to the Boy Scouts and during WWII the Scouts became aircraft watchers and reported any aircraft flying over us to government authorities.
He was in several funny incidents as a child. He was showing an 8 mm projector in the attic and caught it on fire. After jumping out the attic window, he found a pitcher of tea on the table and put it out. Another time, he and his best friend Bob Alexander set the garage on fire TWICE. He and Bob got into a little trouble for that one! These are just a few memories among many.
He started going to the Methodist church when he was about ten because of a lady known as Mother Henegar. He joined the church when he was a junior in high school in 1946. He’s been a member of the church for 74 years. Harvey Willliamson was the pastor. Calvin has probably held every job in the church from Sunday school teacher, UMYF sponsor, Lay leader, membership chair to even wiring and helping build the parsonage. Calvin was married in this church to Wanda Boyd in June of 1953. After her passing, he married his second wife, Ann Bates in Oct. of 1993. He made sure all his daughters were married in this church.
Calvin was a member of the Lions Club in Gordon till it disbanded. He was a member of the Gordon City Council for 10 years and a member of the Gordon ISD school board for 7 years.
Calvin loved his alma mater of Gordon ISD where he was valedictorian in 1947. He was on the first annual staff Gordon ever had and was active in FFA and every sport he could sign up for. He made first team halfback, cornerback and safety in an 11-man football team and first team shortstop in baseball as a Junior. He always felt he inherited his athletic ability from his grandfather’s younger brother, Lil Stoner, who was a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. (Another interesting story!)
Calvin also loved his alma mater, University of Texas. This is an understatement! His blood ran burnt orange. He majored in mechanical engineering and went on to a successful career as an aerospace engineering manager for the Federal Aviation Agency where he met many famous people. Calvin helped establish the design criteria for the stealth bomber and was invited to Washington DC where the team’s picture was placed next to the installed plane at the Smithsonian.
So many things could be told about Calvin’s life. Perhaps his great-granddaughter put it best in an essay she wrote for her English class.
“Everyone has a hero. Even superheroes have a hero.” Heroes are people you look up to and my Pawpaw is a perfect example of that.
First of all, he was an aerospace engineer, which means he certifies planes as flight worthy. He actually certified the planes of the King of Saudi Arabia, Elvis Presley and Air Force One.
My Pawpaw was also drafted into the army during the Korean War and he was the only person in that unit that could type, which must have been very hard.
The most important thing of all though, is his faith. Every week he attends and volunteers his time for our church.
My Pawpaw is awesome, and a true hero. No doubt about that!”
Very unexpectantly, Calvin rejoined many friends and family as he met his Lord and Savior on 12-12-2020. He is survived by his wife Ann Bates Stoner of Gordon, his mom, Louise Stoner of Gordon, 5 daughters Cindy Clifton and husband Kenneth of Gordon, Denise Harbour and husband J.R. of Gatesville, Karen Clifton and husband John of Ranger, Gail Hobbs and husband Wes of Gatesville and Angela Gober and husband Barry of Pflugerville; 2 brothers, Don Stoner of Gordon and Mike Stoner and wife Ann of Weatherford; 1 sister-in-law JoAnn Stoner of Amarillo; 10 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren, plus a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends all around the country. And his special friend Janice Stone.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Wanda Boyd Stoner, his sister Syble Haney, 2 brothers, Herman and Herbert, and grandson Kevin Clifton.
Services will be held at the first UMC in Gordon on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gordon United Methodist Church.
Covid measures will be observed at the service. Please wear a mask and distance when needed. Graveside services will follow if you would rather attend those because of Covid concerns. Services will also be live-streamed on the Gordon Methodist church web-site and Facebook page.
Online condolences may be left for the family at: www.edwards-funeral-homes.com .