Rev. Donald G. Stoner blessed our lives and those of many congregations before transitioning January 23rd, 2026 with peace and grace.

Don was proud to be an "Indiana Boy" for almost 91 years, beginning life January 31, 1935, in Dunkirk, IN with Harriet and Wilbur Stoner. He was a graduate of Ball State University and Chicago Theological Seminary, becoming ordained in 1959. During the years 1957-1966, he served as Youth Minister of Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ (UCC), Oak Lawn, IL and then Minister of Christian Education at First Congregational Church UCC, Elmhurst, IL.

At Elmhurst College (1966-1978), Don first held positions as Associate Chaplain and Assistant Professor of Religion and later served as Director of Church Relations and Associate Director of Development.

He joined the Illinois Conference United Church of Christ staff as Associate Conference Minister for Stewardship until 1983, when he moved to New York, working with UCC churches across the country as Director of Planned Giving at UCC Commission on Development.

Don and his wife Bea moved to Vero Beach in 2000 as Co-Associates for Financial Ministries with the Florida Conference UCC churches.

In the words of his family, Don's 90 years were defined by courage, compassion and purpose. He was a social justice advocate, inspiring educator, world traveler, accomplished photographer and most importantly, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His voice, his lessons, his sense of humor, his beliefs, and his love continue to touch lives.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Beatrice Stoner; his brother, Allan (Eileen) Stoner; his sister-in-law Sharon Stoner; his children, Mark (Kristine) Stoner and Christine Defino; his stepchildren, Erin Starks and Erich Starrett; and his grandchildren, Jessica (Joe) Spitzzeri, Maddie (Mauricio) Parreno, Lily (Alec) Lasinski, Anne Stoner, Cooper Starks, and Ewan, Audrey and Emma Starrett.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Harriet Stoner, his brother, Larry Stoner, and his former wife, Barbara Stoner.

A Celebration of Don's life and ministry will be held on Friday, February 27, at 2 pm at Community Church of Vero Beach, 1901 23rd Street, with a reception following.

Memorial gifts may be made to Community Church of Vero Beach or The Stoner Family Endowed Scholarship Fund of Elmhurst College https://www.elmhurst.edu/give/