Lawrence C. Stoner

Lawrence “Larry” C. Stoner, 76, of Glendive, Montana, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, February 14, 2025, surrounded by the family he cherished. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Our Savior Lutheran Church with Pastor Greg Lucido officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Dawson County Cemetery. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements. Larry was born on October 22, 1948, in Glendive, Montana, to Lawrence Grover and Pauline Ann (Lohrer) Stoner. Raised with a strong sense of faith, family, and community, he attended Sacred Heart Catholic School before graduating with the Dawson County High School Class of 1967. In April of 1970, Larry answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. He was stationed in Germany in 1971, and it was during this time that he took the most important journey of his life—marriage. He returned home briefly in 1972 to wed the love of his life, Kathleen (Mitchell) Stoner, on Valentine’s Day, a date that perfectly reflected the depth of his devotion. Together, they returned to Germany, embracing adventure as newlyweds before settling into life back home in Montana. Larry was a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family. He worked at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in maintenance and custodial roles, served in various oilfield jobs—including as a dispatcher for Halliburton, a role he especially loved—and spent 13 years in security at CCCS Watch East before retiring. Alongside these roles, he co-owned the South Side Tavern for over a decade, where he made countless lifelong friendships over a cold beer and a good story. But Larry was far more than his work—he was a man who lived fully, finding joy in life’s simple yet profound pleasures. The great Montana outdoors was his sanctuary, where he spent countless hours hunting, fishing, and camping with family, passing on stories and traditions that will live on for generations. His love for travel led him to favorite spots like Branson, Missouri, and Medora, North Dakota, always seeking new memories to make with those he loved. Larry had a sharp wit and a humor that could brighten even the darkest days. He had a way of delivering one-liners with perfect timing, making those around him laugh until their sides hurt. Whether he was teasing a grandkid, cracking a joke over a card game, or keeping everyone entertained with his signature dry humor, he had a gift for making people smile. His sarcasm was legendary, and if you were on the receiving end of one of his playful jabs, you knew it was a sign of affection. Above all else, Larry was a family man. His proudest moments were not his accomplishments but those of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was their biggest fan—whether cheering them on from the sidelines, offering loud words of wisdom, or wrapping them in one of his legendary hugs. His love was steady, his presence comforting, and his ability to make everyone laugh was just another reason he was so deeply cherished. A proud member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Larry carried the bonds of service with him throughout his life. He was also a fierce competitor at the card table, delighting in games of pinochle, whist, and gin rummy at the Glendive Senior Center. If you ever thought you had a chance of beating him, he would let you believe it—right up until he played his winning hand with a grin and a twinkle in his eye. When he wasn’t playing cards, you could find him lost in a Louis L’Amour novel, particularly the Sackett series, dreaming of the rugged frontier he admired so much. Larry’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and unwavering loyalty. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories—of belly laughs around a campfire, of perfectly timed jokes that left everyone in stitches, of warm embraces that could chase away any worry. Larry Stoner was a man who lived with an open heart, a firm handshake, and a mischievous grin. Though he may be gone, his stories, his laughter, and his love will echo in the hearts of those who knew him forever. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Pauline; his siblings, LaBonna “Bonnie” Roney, Patricia “Patty” Hood, John “Barney” Stoner, and James “Joe” Stoner. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Kathleen “Kathy” Stoner of Glendive; his children, David (Jennifer) Stoner, Glendive, and Jami (Phillip) Fink, Lambert, MT, his grandchildren, Toni (Jordan) Abelseth, Dickinson, ND, Taylor (Tanner) Schipman, Crane, MT, Bentley and Bradley Fink, Lambert, MT; Jack, Julia, Olivia, and Sloane Toomey-Stoner, all of Glendive; his great-grandchildren, Alayna, Aubrey, and Atlas Abelseth, all of Dickinson, ND; and Remi and Rosin Schipman, both of Crane, MT; and his sister-in-law, Maxine Stoner of Sidney, MT. The Stoner family would like to extend deep gratitude to the Glendive Hospice staff for their kindness and skill through this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Glendive Senior Center, 604 Grant St, Glendive, MT 59330, or Glendive Hospice, 1221 East Ames, Glendive, MT 59330 are appreciated. Larry's Funeral Service will be livestreamed through Zoom. Please follow the link and ID information below: https://app.zoom.us/wc/join Meeting ID 897 2615 0080 Passcode 1234 Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.SilhaFuneralHomes.com.

Lawrence C. Stoner

October 22, 1948 - February 14, 2025

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Lawrence C. Stoner

October 22, 1948 - February 14, 2025

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