BANGOR – Kenneth Eldridge Stone, 81, died peacefully at home, Dec. 12, 2022. Ken was born Sept. 24, 1941, in Bangor, Maine, son of the late Marcella (Cote) Stone and Eldridge Grant Stone.

Ken graduated from Bangor High School in 1959 where he was active in sports, music, and Junior Achievement. Following high school, Ken enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in Alaska and Hawaii. While enlisted, Ken played the trombone in the Navy band and competed on the Navy softball team. Upon honorable discharge, Ken studied business at Husson College.

Ken’s character, humor, charm, and ability to easily connect with people allowed him to thrive in his career in sales and hospitality management. Ken managed several restaurants in Waterville and Bangor, ME, including The Silent Woman, the Chuck Wagon, and Captain Nick’s. He also excelled in advertising and sales for local trade publications. Ken was an important and reliable fixture in his community. A loyal member of the Elks Club, he could often be found in the local lodge attempting to best his fellow members in a game of poker.

After retiring Ken relished his time on the back deck solving crossword and sudoku puzzles, entertaining friends and family, and perhaps even sneaking peanuts (and naming!) the chipmunks who frequented. A fisherman, golfer, and collector of vintage baseball cards, Ken also loved music and the American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson was one of his favorites.

More than anything Ken loved his family. The oldest of seven children, Ken assumed the role of “Dad” to his six siblings after his father passed prematurely. He was the best man at his brothers’ weddings and walked each of his sisters down the aisle. A confirmed bachelor until 34, Ken married Bonnie-Lou Johnson (Perry) in 1975 and became an immediate and dedicated father to Fletcher Johnson and Jodi-ann Johnson. He loved being “Grandpa Ken” and was fully present for his grandchildren. Ken had an easy way of loving people and was authentically and wholeheartedly there for the people in his life.

Ken is survived by his wife of 47 years, Bonnie-Lou; his son, Fletcher Johnson and wife Jennifer Johnson; and his daughter Jodi-ann Johnson and husband Stephen Averill; as well as his grandchildren: Brooke and Stone Johnson; Ashley Lindsay; Ally, Jonah, and Zoe Averill. Ken is survived by his three sisters Sharon Roy, Ginger Lord, and Melanie Cavanaugh and two brothers, Joe Stone and Jeff Stone. His brother Tim Stone predeceased him. Ken will be especially missed by his many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Ken also cherished his lifelong friends Paul McPheters and Ken Dumont; and the best of neighbors: Avis, Joel, Jack, and Betty.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor.

Condolences to family may be expressed at http://www.BrookingsSmith.com.

Those who wish to remember Ken in a special way may consider a contribution to the Animal Orphanage, P.O. Box 565,

Orono, ME 04473

http://www.animalorphanageoldtown.com

Copy the Story Link