Edward Henry Stone, Jr., 76, died at Whidbey Island Manor, Oak Harbor Nov. 14, 2002. He was born July 12, 1926, in Spokane to Edward H. Stone, Sr. and Margaret Parker Stone.

Mr. Stone was raised in Spokane and attended Rogers High School. While in high school, he was employed by the Spokesman Review Newspaper as a press setter. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and fought in World War II. He was sent overseas to the island of Guam. Ed was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Mr. Stone returned to Spokane following the war. He was married to Marilyn D. Whinnery on Aug. 4, 1950, in Spokane. He worked for a time for the Pepsi Cola distributor in Spokane and then began a career as a professional firefighter. He began his firefighting with the Naval Supply Depot in Spokane.

In 1957 he was transferred to Bremerton. In 1958 he came to NAS Whidbey Island. He and his family settled in Coupeville. Mr. Stone retired from the NAS Fire Department in 1976. He was involved in building and remodeling homes for many years.

Ed and Marilyn Stone purchased a motor home and became Snowbirds. They traveled throughout the western United States and Canada. They began spending the winter months in Yuma, Ariz., but moved on to Desert Hot Springs, Calif., making that their destination for many years. They ended their travels in 1995.

Mr. Stone enjoyed woodworking, carpentry and working on cars, visiting casinos and winning on slot machines. He also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports.

Mr. Stone is survived by his wife Marilyn of Oak Harbor. He is also survived by three children and their spouses: Jeff and Vicky Stone of Oak Harbor; Randy and Patti Stone of Port Angeles and Lori and Terry Ley of Bothell. Five grandchildren, Brannon and Garrett Stone, both of Seattle; Monica Stone of Oak Harbor and Makenzie and Cameron Ley, both of Bothell and one sister Lillian Richardson of Everett also survive.

Mr. Stone requested no formal funeral services be conducted. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor. This obituary may be seen on-line at http://burley.plan4ever.com.