J. Michael Stone, 74, of Troy, IL, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL, freeing him from the mental anguish of Alzheimer's Disease.

He was born September 2, 1951, in East St. Louis, IL, to the late Harry and Betty (née Cowley) Stone. He is survived by his siblings Gary (Toni), Kathy, Mary (Mike), Carol (Tony), and Barbie, along with numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Harry Stone, Jr.

Michael—Mike, or Stoney—found his greatest purpose in his family. He married the love of his life, Carol (née Schuck) Stone, on a Monday morning in March of 1977. They shared 49 years of marriage—full of spirited debates and an undeniable devotion to one another. As a dad, he was a mentor in life, a teacher of love, and a firm believer in not taking yourself too seriously. He achieved hero status with his daughters, Jami (Greg Mangiaracino) Stone of Troy, IL, and Brooke Stone of Nashville, TN.

He also shared a deep bond with Scott Gower of Keyesport, IL, and Steve (Julie) Gower of Edwardsville, IL—his "boys"—spending countless days outdoors hunting, building, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it was deer camp in Missouri or Wisconsin, or simply time outside, that's where he was most at home.

His grandchildren, Reagan and Allison, were the apples of his eye. He adored every moment spent with them—supporting their endeavors, playing "horsey" in the living room, and never thinking any task was too big when it came to his girls. He had big plans for their future together, and while Alzheimer's shortened that time, his love for them never wavered.

Michael was a proud 1969 graduate of Collinsville High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in design from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He was a standout football player in high school and college, known for his toughness, grit, and a competitive fire that never left him. He dedicated over 20 years of his professional career as a construction project manager with Murphy Company in St. Louis before his retirement, valuing the relationships he built with craft—especially those from Pipefitters Local 562 and Steamfitters Local 439.

Stoney had a cavalry of friends—The Bucko's, college buddies, the Ft. Wayne crew, neighbors, and colleagues. His besties Paul, Dan, and Danny were always first in line for a little mischief.

The family encourages all those he touched through the years to come and share stories, memories, and support at a celebration of his life to be held on May 8, 2026, from 3–8 p.m. at Willoughby Farm in Collinsville, IL.

Memorials are suggested to the Mike Stone Memorial Fund, c/o FCB Bank, for a scholarship fund for his granddaughters and will be received or may be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.