Samuel H. Stoner

Reverend Samuel H. Stoner, 102, formerly of Lykens, and Manheim, passed peacefully surrounded by love on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at Hospice and Community Care, Mount Joy. Sam had been an active resident of Brethren Village Retirement Community for 20 years. Born in Conestoga, he was the son of the late John A. and Harriet Hess Stoner. Sam was the loving husband of the late Alice Keller Stoner who died in February of 2013; his first wife and first love was the late Mary E. Boose Stoner who died in May of 1982. He was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Mount Joy; and recently attended services at the Brethren Village Chapel. Sam devoted his life to pastoral ministry, serving in Lykens United Methodist Church and Salem United Methodist Church, Manheim. Later in his ministry he continued his service providing visitation ministry through a number of United Methodist Churches within Lancaster County. Sam graduated from Lebanon Valley College with a Bachelor of Arts degree and then continued his studies graduating from United Theological Seminary, in Dayton, Ohio, with a Masters of Divinity degree. During his retirement years Sam's interests included: clock repair, chair caning, jigsaw puzzles, and “shooting pool”, billiards. He had a life-long interest in genealogy that led to Sam publishing a book of his family's heritage titled “The Georg Stinebrecher/Stoner Family Genealogy”. Sam is noteworthy within his family's history both for being the longest living member on record and for being the last of his generation. He enjoyed a loving and special relationship with every member of the 5 generations of his family. His legacy is that he lived his faith and taught by example every day of his life.

Surviving are three sons: John D. husband of Patricia Stoner of Ansonia, Conn., Stephen H. husband of Sara Stoner of Milford, Timothy D. husband of Claire Stoner of New Freedom, 6 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. Preceding Sam in death is a grandson, Sean Stoner, and 6 brothers: David, Maris, Harry, James, John, and Benjamin Stoner.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service at the Brethren Village Chapel, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, Monday, August 25, 2014 at 11:00 AM. There will be a viewing on Sunday evening (tonight) at the Brethren Village Chapel from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM with additional viewing on Monday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be private in Hernley Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Sam’s memory to the Brethren Village Good Samaritan Fund, 3001 Lititz Pike, P. O. Box 5093, Lancaster, PA 17606.