William Steven “Steve” Stone, 70, died Sunday, June 21, 2020 at his home
in Garden City. He was born October 3, 1949, in Garden City, Kansas,
the son of William Faye Stone and Elise Mae (Whitson) Stone. A lifetime
resident of Finney County, Kansas.
Steve attended Plymell School and graduated from Garden City High School
in 1967. He graduated Garden City Junior College in 1969. A fourth
generation farmer, he operated Tri-Stone Farms, Inc. As he expanded his
farm with his wife and daughters, he enjoyed the advances made in
agriculture.
Steve married Rhonda Schmale of Garden City, Kansas on March 15, 1980.
Together they have two daughters, Megan and Marci. A lifetime farmer
and rancher, Steve enjoyed being home on the farm the most. He also
enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and being a Grandpa.
He was a member and previous board member of the Garden City Co-op,
Farm Bureau member and previous board member, Kansas corn growers
member, Kansas Livestock Association and a member of the Finney County
Historical Society. He served 26 years on the Southwest Kansas
Groundwater Management District 3 board representing Finney County. He
served as their President for two years, 1998 and 1999. He was
passionate about water and the sustainability of ground water in
southwest Kansas.
Survivors include his wife Rhonda of the home; two daughters Megan
Wehkamp (Brian) of Garden City, Ks. Marci Flax (Kevin) of Ellis, Ks.
Sister Marilyn Chaffin of Kinsley, brother Tim Stone of Garden City and
his mother Elsie Mae of Garden City. Three grandsons; Hayden Wehkamp of
Garden City. Derek and Ty Flax of Ellis, Ks as well as many nieces and
nephews. Steve is preceded in death by his father, Faye.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at
The Golf Club at Southwind with Pastor Scott Rosen officiating. Burial
will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call
from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
on Friday all at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. The family
request memorials given to the Finney County Historical Society, in care
of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City.