Harry Stoner, 84, longtime Colfax resident, passed away at home on June 27, 2025.
A memorial service will be held Friday, July 11, at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colfax. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Carol, at the Colfax Cemetery.

Born July 31, 1940, in Conrad, Montana to Floyd and Bernice Cain Stoner, and raised in St. John, Washington, graduating from high school there in 1958.  Harry grew up during WWII, taking on responsibility at a young age. By age 12, he was driving wheat trucks, and by 14, operating farm equipment. After losing his father early, Harry helped support his family through hunting, fishing, and gardening.

A talented athlete, he played multiple sports in high school and earned a basketball scholarship to Boise Junior College, where he met Carol Geisler. They married in 1961 and raised nine children together.

Harry served honorably in the U.S. Army before and during the Vietnam era, rising to the rank of Captain. He worked with nuclear-capable missile systems and played a critical role during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He served as the only qualified panel operator in his unit at Fairchild Air Force Base, trained to launch missiles if necessary. He remained on duty for two weeks straight, a testament to his dedication and readiness. His assignments took him to Spokane, Germany, and Hawaii. Known for his principled leadership, he transformed struggling units and earned the respect of his superiors throughout his military career.

In civilian life, Harry wore many hats—insurance salesman, gas station operator, Greyhound depot manager, million-mile bus driver, and later a valued shipping manager at Decagon Devices in Pullman. He thrived in team settings and took pride in his work.

Harry was deeply committed to his faith and served in many leadership roles within the LDS Church, including Branch President of the Colfax Branch. He enjoyed fishing, ping-pong, basketball, and cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their sporting events.

Harry was known for his generosity to others in need. He was particularly known for buying and repairing cars for people in need of transportation, even though he had limited resources of his own. He had a willingness to reach outside the family to help anyone.

Harry and Carol's home was always a gathering place for their children's friends. There were often extra children gathered around the dinner table, welcomed like family.

He is survived by eight children: Sheli (Matt) Carroll, Troy, Idaho; Ray (Krys) Stoner, Spokane; Susan (Jesse) Martin, Colfax; James (Tera) Stoner, Troy, Idaho; Pam (Dana) Meserve, Endicott; David Stoner, Spokane; Robert (Jessica) Stoner, Greensboro, North Carolina; and Jeff Stoner, Colfax; daughter-by-choice Katelyn Kuster, Spokane; 27 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; siblings Mamie Greeson, Jackson, Tennessee, and Ed (Candi) Stoner, Pullman. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol (2014), daughter Paula (1982), 2 sisters Virgina Lindhag and Marlene Lynch, a brother Bill Stoner, a grandson Lonny, as well as his parents.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Colfax Volunteer Fire Department at 400 N. Mill Street, Colfax, WA.

Corbeill Funeral Homes of Colfax is caring for the family.