Howard 'Max' Stone

Howard “Max” Stone passed away at his home in Bozeman surrounded by his loving family July 23, 2014. He was born March 4, 1927 in Elmdale, Kansas to Howard and Viola (Emaline) Stone. Max graduated from Westmoreland High School in northeastern Kansas. After graduation he served in the United States Navy Pacific Theatre and Amphibious Forces during WWII. Upon his return he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Max later went on to live in Wolf Point, Great Falls, Billings, Bozeman, Miles City, and Helena Montana as well as the eastern shore of Maryland. Max worked for the Kansas and Montana State Departments of Fish and Game. While with Montana he flew small aircraft for executive transport and game counts. Stories of mountain flying were always his favorites to tell. His love of the outdoors translated into a lifelong passion for wildlife management and conservation. He worked tirelessly to educate the public about sound wildlife management to ensure that his favorite pastimes of hunting and fishing would endure for generations to come. Max played the trombone and guitar. With his brothers he played in a small brass band to help finance college. He continued to enrich his family with music throughout his life. Max also enjoyed woodworking and target shooting. Max’s love for his family was exceeded only by his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It was his ardent desire to see the church fully express Christ’s love to the world. Max was preceded in death by: his first wife Nancy Lee Stone and children Karen Lee Simmert, Marla Kay Foust, and Michael Howard Stone. He is survived by: his wife Eleanore Kathryn Stone; daughter Terri (Kevin) Stone Kottas; brother Sax Stone; 11 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. Visitation will take place from 12:00 – 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Dahl Funeral Chapel, followed by a graveside service at the Reese Creek Cemetery in Belgrade at 2:00 pm. A memorial service will be held on August 23, 2014 at Foothills Fellowship, 4000 Springhill Rd.