Howard Albert Stone

Howard Albert Stone, 79, of Franklin, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at UPMC Northwest in Seneca. 

The son of Walter and Adabella Barber Stone, he was born on February 24, 1946 in Franklin.

Howard was a graduate of Saegertown High School and later worked a multitude of jobs- a dedicated worker for each one. 

In his younger years, Howard loved anything and everything about cars. Some of his favorites were his Chevys and his Nova. 

He was a man of many interests, ranging from hunting and fishing to poker and playing cards. He was known to have a poker face like you wouldn’t believe. 

Howard was an active member of the Franklin V.F.W. and was a face that everyone there knew. If he happened to not be there, you can be sure that people would ask what he was up to. 

On August 25, 1976, Howard married the love of his life, the former Vicki Hoffman, and she survives. 

Howard’s children remember him as a hard worker and dedicated husband and father. He would make sure to work as much as he could to support his family while making sure to always have time to spend with them, too. He loved his family completely, and they will always remember him as the amazing man he was. 

In addition to his wife, Howard is survived by five children; Howard (Rachel) Stone of NC, Andrea (Joshua) Doyle of Polk, Rebecca Peterson, Wallace Stone and fiancé Marci, and Chad Stone and fiancé Brittany, all of Franklin. Grandchildren; Emily Stone of NC, Stacy Stone of Polk, Melissa Hoffman of Sandy Lake, Joshua Doyle II of Polk, Collin Stone, Ronald Harkless II, Mykah Stone, Markus Stone, Aleyah Stone, Bensen Stone, and Nirvana Stone, all of Franklin; 8 great grandchildren, and several loved nieces and nephews. 

Howard was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings; Walter Stone, Luther Stone, Ruby Barrickman, and Barbara Schmidt. He was additionally preceded in death by a granddaughter, Khaila Harkless. 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 312 W. Park Street, Franklin where friends and family will be received from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday. 

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Ken Duffee from Grace Church of Rocky Grove, officiating. 

There will be a dinner at the Polk Firehall 710 Main Street, Polk following the service. 

Howard was blessed with wonderful caretakers over the years, including his daughters Andrea and Rebecca, granddaughter Stacy, and friend, Gina, who his family gives a special thanks to. 

Howard’s family would like everyone to remember the words he lived by- “Better days are coming!”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses. Donations can be made on Howard’s obituary page. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.huffguthrie.com.