Terol L. "Terry" Stone

Terol Lee “Terry” Stone, 78, of Pekin, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 8:05 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at his home, surrounded by loved ones.

Terry was born on November 6, 1946, in Peoria, Illinois, to Theodore J. and Ann (Yanko) Stone. Known for his unwavering dedication to family, country, and community, Terry lived a life marked by service, loyalty, and kindness. On April 27, 1971, Terry married the love of his life, Sandra “Sandy” Pinkoski, in a ceremony that marked the beginning of a 54-year partnership filled with love and mutual support. Together, they built a life in Pekin, raising their daughter and creating a warm home filled with laughter and cherished memories.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore J. and Ann Stone, and his brother, Ted Stone. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sandy Stone of Pekin; his beloved daughter, Angela (Jeff) Stone of Pekin; two sisters, Maura Stone of Creve Coeur, Illinois, and Dr. Margo Stone of Warrenville, Illinois; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, who will forever cherish his warmth and humor.

A proud veteran, Terry served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from March 22, 1966, to March 21, 1969, with courage and honor. His commitment to service continued long after his military tenure. Terry was a dedicated member of the Marine Corps League, where he served with distinction as Commandant and treasurer. He was also actively involved in the Honor Guard, Navy Marine Club, Toys for Tots, and the American Legion, embodying the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment in every aspect of his life. His work with Toys for Tots brought joy to countless children, and his advocacy for veterans’ causes, particularly suicide prevention, reflected his deep compassion for his fellow service members.

Terry dedicated much of his professional life to the Peoria and Pekin Union (P&PU) Railroad, where he served as a maintenance supervisor. His strong work ethic and leadership ensured the smooth operation of the railroad, earning him the respect of colleagues and leaving a lasting impact on the industry he served.

Terry was known for his quick wit, generous spirit, and deep sense of community. A lifelong resident of the Peoria area, he was a familiar face, always ready to lend a hand or share a story. Whether spending time with family, volunteering for veterans’ organizations, or cheering on his favorite sports teams, Terry’s presence brought warmth and camaraderie to those around him.

A funeral service to celebrate Terry’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory in Pekin, with Rev. Judy Doyle officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, offering an opportunity for family and friends to gather and share memories. Following the service, Terry will be laid to rest at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, where the United States Marines and the Marine Honor Squad will provide graveside honors in recognition of his distinguished service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Marine Corps League, Veterans Suicide Prevention, or the American Cancer Society—causes that were close to Terry’s heart and reflective of his lifelong commitment to service and care for others.

Terry’s legacy of love, service, and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Semper Fidelis.