Obituary

Richard Lee Stone Jr.
July 13, 1946 – July 21, 2025

Richard Lee Stone, Jr., 79, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025 after a long fight with his health. He was born on July 13, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas and was raised in McPherson, Kansas. After graduating high school, he moved to Kansas City in 1965—a place he proudly called home for the rest of his life. It was in Kansas City where he met the love of his life, Mary Margaret “Peggy” Stone. The two were married on September 2, 1966, and shared nearly 59 years of devoted partnership, raising a family and being an active part of the community.

Richard began his career in the printing industry and eventually founded his own business, Lee Enterprises, where he excelled in construction. He also enjoyed mowing grass and landscaping for his customers, taking pride in the details and the process. In the mid-1970s, Richard helped found the Kansas City Blues Rugby Club—an achievement he was immensely proud of. He remained an avid rugby fan and storyteller, often sharing tales of the sport until his final days. He had even been invited to try out for the Denver Broncos but turned it down in favor of staying with his family—a decision that reflected his unwavering dedication to those he loved most.

In 1973, Richard came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His faith became the guiding force of his life. Known as a prayer warrior, he faithfully prayed for his family, his friends, and even those he had never met. His relationship with Christ shaped his character—kind, welcoming, and endlessly giving.

Richard was a wonderful man who deeply loved his family and people in general. No one was a stranger to him. He was known for arriving early and staying late just to have meaningful conversations with anyone who wanted to talk. He mentored many, referring to them lovingly as his “kids,” and his impact rippled far and wide.

Family meant everything to Richard. He is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy; his daughters Kristy (Rick) Scharf of Tucson, Arizona; Jennifer (Kimo) Manuleleua of Independence, Missouri; Michelle (CC) Aldrich of Kingsville, Missouri; and his most fantastic and favorite grandson, Charlie Aldrich. He was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis Allen, and his father, Earle Lancaster.

Richard will be remembered for his silliness, his sense of fun, his strength of spirit, and the generous way he gave of himself. He leaves behind a legacy of love, and a life well lived in service to others and in devotion to his God. His presence will be deeply missed but forever felt.