Richard Bartley Stone, age 52, passed away Friday, April 18, 2025, in Fort Wayne, IN.   He was born in Louisiana, MO on November 4th, 1972, to the late, James Richard Stone and Kathryn Stone-Kelly (Jeff Lesley), who survives.  Richard (aka: Rich, Richie, Uncle Itchy, Crazy Rich) grew up in Elsberry, MO. Loved being on the water in the bottoms of the Mississippi. Enjoyed tractor rides with Papa Guy, hunting with his dad and running through the bluffs. Rich moved to Fort Wayne, IN when he was 13 years old and excelled in baseball and football. He was the varsity catcher and played defense/kicker for Wayne High School. Rich graduated in 1991 then proudly served in the US Navy in search and rescue, performing at the top of his class.  He was a rodeo clown and showman on the rodeo circuit, always fearless. He was a strong contender in the tough man contests. He was able to tryout for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Pittsburgh Pirates. He was so close to his dream and his love for ball never left him. He was an exemplary player on many softball teams. He proudly wore #25 in honor of his little brother Brian. He was everyone's biggest fan. He never met a stranger. He enjoyed helping others. He loved hard, played hard and fought hard. He always flashed his huge smile followed by his contagious laugh. He was so talented and hard-working. There was nothing he couldn't fix, build or do. He was a firm believer of "Anything worth doing is worth doing right". He was fiercely loved and loved fiercely and was so very proud of his family.

Richard is survived by his fiance, Shana Hancock;  children, Tristan (Cassandra) Stone, Justin Stone, Makayla Stone, Megan Stone, Brannon Piechoinski, Ashtin Hancock and Harloh Hancock;  grandson, Atlas Stone;  siblings, Brian (Laura) Stone, Michael (Katie) Kelly, and Jacquelyn (Cody) Stafford; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins

A memorial service is 3:00 pm, Friday, May 9, 2025, at Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton St., with calling two hours prior beginning at 1:00 pm. Memorials may be made to Shana Hancock.  To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com