Donald “Stoney” Lee Stonecipher, 91, passed away Sunday, April 8, at home surrounded by his family. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, April 14, at 11am at Christ United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

Don was born June 30, 1926 in Cleveland, TX to Vernon Eugene and Zella Mae Stonecipher. The youngest of three, Don was an avid outdoorsman, star athlete and quarterback for his high school football team. He earned numerous track and field awards, including setting a state record in the 100 yard dash. After graduating high school, Don followed his brother to serve in the Navy, during World War II.  He was a member of the Underwater Demolition Team, the precursor to the US Navy SEALs, and accepted the Purple Heart in honor of his brother, Vernon Harold Stonecipher, before his honorable discharge.

After the war, Don pursued a degree in Chemistry at Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. There, Don met RoxAnn Hanson, whose intelligence, tenacity, and resolve matched his own, and they were married March 5, 1950.

After a few years working for Humble Oil, he returned to school to pursue his Doctor of Dental Surgery at UT Houston School of Dentistry.  After graduating with honors, he opened a dental clinic in Pasadena, Texas and practiced for 30 years, before retiring to Conroe, TX, then College Station, TX.  In May 2009, he received the Texas Dental Association award for 50 years of service to the dentistry profession.  He was a Rotarian for many years and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He enjoyed many hobbies including working on his ranch, fishing and golfing.  He was very proud of winning the Walden MGA 2003 Club Championship at the age of 77.

Don is survived by his wife of 68 years, RoxAnn Stonecipher; his children, John Stonecipher, Donna Stonecipher and spouse Mark Robbins, Dr. Shelley Stonecipher and spouse Julie Duderstadt, Dr. James Stonecipher and spouse Melanie Stonecipher, his grandchildren, Jennifer and spouse Brian Hutmacher, Kelly Fitzgerald and spouse Sly Jefferson, Tim Fitzgerald and spouse Christine Fitzgerald, Ashley Stonecipher, Amy Stonecipher and his great-granddaughter, Hannah RoxAnn Hutmacher. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Prissy Stonecipher.

The family and Don extend special thanks to Dr. Mario Lammoglia, Dr. Richard Smith, and Dr. Terry Jenkins for their dedication to Don’s health care. Many thanks go also to Hospice Brazos Valley, including David, Hannah, Marcie and Visiting Angels, including Tyronda and Candice.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Don’s honor to Hospice Brazos Valley for their commitment to compassionate care.