Judge Robert Brand Stone, 79, of Morgantown passed away at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital on Nov. 6, 2023, surrounded by his family, after a six-month illness. He was born Dec. 18, 1943, to the late Ward Day Stone and Dorothy Brand Stone.
Judge Stone graduated from Morgantown High School in 1961. He graduated from WVU in 1965 with a degree in industrial engineering. While in college, he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi social fraternity, Fi Batar Cappar, Mountain Honorary, and Tau Beta Pi, an Engineering Honorary. He then graduated from WVU Law School in 1968. He was a member of the West Virginia Law Review in 1966-67, associate editor 1967-88, and elected to the Order of the Coif.
He started his legal career as the law clerk for Chief Judge Robert Maxwell of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia in Elkins. He returned to Morgantown to begin his law practice with his father, Ward D. Stone, and his brother, Ward D. Stone, Jr. He served in the West Virginia House of Delegates from 1971-74. He became an assistant prosecuting attorney for Monongalia County in 1981.
In 1985 he was appointed judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit by Governor Arch Moore. He was then elected as Circuit Court Judge of Monongalia County in 1986, 1992, and 2000. He served as Chief Judge many of those years. He retired in 2008 and continued as senior status judge until his death.
Judge Stone was known throughout West Virginia as a fair and impartial judge. He was highly respected for his knowledge and dedication to the rule of law and for his unfailing courtesy and politeness to all who appeared before him in his court. He was especially compassionate and understanding in abuse and neglect cases and juvenile cases. He would patiently listen to the Prosecutor and defense counsel in criminal cases before imposing sentence.
Judge Stone was instrumental in the organization and planning for the Monongalia County Adult Drug Court. With his support, the program was able to open its doors to participants after his retirement. He was a member of the Court Improvement Program Oversight Board and a frequent presenter at educational conferences for judges and magistrates state-wide.
Judge Stone was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served many callings. He left a legacy of service to mankind, whether through the bench or volunteer work with charitable organizations.
He had many accomplishments to be proud of. But above all, what he held dearest to his heart were his children, wife, and service to God. He strived to show unconditional love and kindness. He loved all sports, but especially pulled for the Mountaineers and the Pirates with his nephew Carter. He also enjoyed the ROMEO (Real Old Men Eating Out) sports group that met for lunch every Wednesday and Friday.
Judge Stone is survived by his wife, Susanne Ponek Stone. They were married for 57 years, as she was the love of his life. He is also survived by six children, Kevin Stone and fiancé Cori Skidmore of Morgantown, Jonathan Stone and wife, Natalie of Morgantown, Sarah Stone and Craig Lough, of Morgantown, Kim Keever and husband, David of Rutherfordton, N.C., Robin St. Clair and husband Mitch of Clemmons, N.C., and Megan Stone of Monterey, Calif. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Caitlyn Rae Stone, Addie Spooner, Mackenzie Johns, Aubrey Keever, Cheyenne Keever, Sophie St. Clair, Ellie St. Clair, and Will St. Clair.
He is also survived by a brother, Ward D. (Jerry) Stone, Jr. of Morgantown, and wife Kay Lynne; sister-in-law, Jo Watts of Pt. Marion; nieces, Kelly Belt of Indianapolis, Ind.., and Kelly Foreman of Morgantown; and nephew, Mike Watts of Pt. Marion.
He was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, John Ponek and Tom Watts, and nephew, Carter Stone.
Friends and family will be received at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 161 Meadow View Lane, Morgantown, from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Bishop Erik Carlton officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Judge Stone to Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center (MCCAC), 909 Greenbag Rd., Morgantown, WV 26508.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
