Eric A. Stone

Eric was born on December 7, 1965 in Adrian, MI, the youngest child of Lewis and Janice (Breon) Stone. He graduated from Adrian High School in 1984 and went on to obtain a BA in theater and communication with a minor in music from Adrian College. Eric continued his education at Methodist Theological School in Ohio where he earned two Masters—in liturgical arts and divinity.

For the past 35 years, Eric has shared his life and mission with his wife, Sherry. On May 28, 1988, Eric was united in marriage to Sherry Rokita and they have been blessed with two sons, Jacob and Julian, and many wonderful memories.
Eric was a loving and devoted father who was never afraid to accept his sons for who they are and help them to grow. He raised Jacob to be a dedicated University of Michigan and Pittsburgh sports fan and shared his love of cinema with Julian, especially anything from Marvel.

Eric and Sherry met at Judson Collins United Methodist Camp as summer staff. Their great love was Camp Kinawind, where they spent 30+ years working and volunteering. Kinawind was their home-in-the-woods, where they met their “All of Us Together” family.

Eric dedicated his life to helping others find meaning, connection, and the Divine in all things. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met. During his lifetime, he gave his time and talents at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church of Essexville, University of Michigan Wesley Foundation, Central Michigan University Wesley Foundation, Waterford Central United Methodist Church, University of Illinois Wesley Foundation, and Orchard United Methodist Church. Eric was most recently the pastor of Adrian First United Methodist Church.

His love of theater continued throughout his life as he was involved with many productions at the Croswell Opera House in Adrian and the Bay City Players. Eric enjoyed being in nature and camping with family and friends. He often captured these great moments and others with his camera. Eric was an animal lover and had many four-legged fur babies in his lifetime.
Eric was passionate about social justice and inclusion of all people. He never shied away from difficult conversations and was advocate for those marginalized and oppressed.

In addition to his wife, Sherry, Eric is survived by his mother, Janice; sons, Jacob (Audra) Stone and Julian Stone; siblings, Karen Stone (Warren Klofkorn), Linda (Rick) Ridley, Michelle Rion and Judy Stone (Randall Downer); mother-in-law, Mary Margaret Rokita; brothers-in-law, Patrick (Michelle) Rokita and Scott Rokita (Jessica Paquette); and nephews and nieces, James Downer, Pheobe Downer, Michael Rokita and Kathryn Rokita. He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis; father-in-law, James Rokita and brother-in-law, Nick Rion.

A celebration of life will take place on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 4 p.m. at the Adrian First United Methodist Church with Bishop David Alan Bard officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family at this time. Eric’s family is setting up a trust to carry on Eric’s passions: a justice award and a memorial service and learning trip with Strong Ministries to Costa Rica.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian where online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.