Jack Clifford Stone

Jack Clifford Stone passed through the veil in Pocatello, Idaho, on Friday April 10, 2026, into the arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and loving members of his family and special friends who have gone before.

Jack was born September 29, 1936, in Aberdeen, Idaho, to Clifford Edgar and Hilva LeeMaude Willey Stone. He was the fifth of eight children. He attended school in Sterling, Springfield, Snake River and graduated from Aberdeen as the VFW outstanding student in 1954. He lettered in football all 4 years of high school and was a member of Tiger Club.

When he graduated from high school he had a herd of 50 cattle and planned on ranching, but instead he volunteered for the draft in December, 1954 (Korean War.) He was stationed mostly at Ft. Knox, Kentucky where he taught tank mechanics and tank maneuvers.

In October, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Rae Pitts. They lived in Kentucky until Jack finished his enlistment in December, 1956. A return to Idaho found no employment in Southeast Idaho so off they went to Southern California where Jack was employed to take care of a fleet of 35 box trucks and cars for Thrifty d Lux Dry Cleaners. While in Los Angeles their first two children, Teri Rae and Juli Ann were born.

In 1960 the family moved back to Idaho and Jack was employed as a mechanic for the Chevrolet dealership in American Falls for 5 years. During this time two more children, Lori Sue and Lance Edgar, were born to the family and it was complete.

In 1965, Jack opened his own business in American Falls, Conoco Corner. This was a service station and automobile repair shop. He ran this successful business for 5 years. One day the director of Idaho State University School of Technology came to see Jack at the station and asked him to come and teach at ISU in the Automotive Technology Program. After much hemming and hawing back and forth, the family decided to accept the offer, but stayed in American Falls running the business with help for one more year. Jack decided he enjoyed hands-on teaching very much and the family moved to Pocatello, after selling the business, and settled in the area around the corner from Highland High School.

Jack’s 29 teaching years were very rewarding for him. Along the way he worked on his Bachelor of Science – Vocational Teacher Education degree, graduating in 1992. He was the faculty representative for Vocational Industrial Clubs of America and took many students to competitions around the country and also to international competitions. One of his greatest joys was when a former student would come up to him and strike up a conversation about classroom and shop experiences. Jack went to many General Motors, Ford and American Motors workshops to keep his teaching ahead of the game. During this period Jack and Pat unofficially adopted Ronald and Helena Schindler, and the Schindler family became a part of the Stone Heritage. He retired in 1999 as Instructor Emeritus.

Jack was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held many positions – teacher, group leader, high councilor, scoutmaster, ward and stake missionary, temple worker, etc. He and Pat were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1962. They served 6 missions together after retirement: Nauvoo, Adam-ondi-Ahman, 3 times at Martin’s Cove and 1 at home when they were caring for Pat’s mother.

He loved to garden, tinker, solve complicated problems – especially regarding cars, cook and serve his fellowman. He was famously known as The Neighborhood Cookie Monster. A true Renaissance Man, he could fix or build anything! Above all, he loved and was proud of his family – they were his treasure. And he loved our Savior and was very close to Him.

Jack was pre-deceased by his parents, Pat’s parents, brothers: Gordon Edgar, Stephen Rodger, Donald Willey (Linda), sister: Geraldine Blakeslee. Brother-in-law Ronald Allyn Pitts (Cheryle.) He is survived by his children: Teri Rae, Juli Ann, Lori Sue Sorenson (Tim), Lance Edgar (Marcia) and Ronald and Helena Schindler; grandchildren: Brooke Hager (Ryan,) Bryn Preuss (Jesse,) Bryan (Christie,) Natasha Annette and Alyssa Nicole Stone, Lex (Stephanie) and Drew (Julianne) Schindler; great-grandchildren: Caitlin, Cayden and Keegan Stone, Dillon and Declan Preuss, and Avery and Addison Schindler. Siblings: Jay Dee, Charles Allen (Joan,) and Lynda Susan Wrigley. And many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all who have helped Jack through this long illness – you know who you are. He so much appreciated your visits, treats and help with projects he could no longer do. Thanks also to his many doctors, nurses, therapists and caregivers. Jack did not want a funeral. There will be a viewing at Manning- Wheatley Funeral Home in Pocatello, Wednesday evening April 15, 2026 from 6-8:30pm and graveside services at the Aberdeen, ID Cemetery Thursday April 16, 2026 at 11am with military honors.