Matthew Stone, age 52, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.

    He was born December 31, 1966, in Mt. Vernon, the son of Edward Stone and Brenda Franklin.  He married Mackenzie Rain Fulk Brooks March 13, 2008, in a ceremony in Flora.

    Matt loved Mackenzie and all of his family. Lyric was truly a shining light in his life and said “Papa” was his best friend.  He appreciated the great outdoors, especially at night when gazing at the stars and moon accompanied by those he loved.  He was eager to discover adventures at the spur of the moment like rafting on the Current River, loved listening to the music of “Journey,” and found great enjoyment in simple things like mowing his yard.  Matt had worked as a cook.

    He is survived by his loving co-pilot in life: Mackenzie Rain Stone of Flora, 7 children: Anthony (Natasha) Stone, Tommy Stone, Ciara (Aaron) Stoker, Brooksy Bray (Tyler), Bailey Bray, Briar Bray (Billy), and Macey Brooks; 10 grandchildren: Hayden, Hope, Wyatt, Skylynn, Helena, Lillian, Lyric, Carter, Sophia, and Bristol; mother: Brenda Franklin; a brother: Jeff (Vanessa) Stone; 2 sisters: Sue Ann (Brad) Stanley, and Angie (Eddie) Martin; parents-in-law: Tom and Gina Brooks; parents-in-law: Dale and Nancy Fulk; 2 grandmother-in-laws: Marge Thompson, and Doris Fraher; 2 sisters-in-law: Athena (Tom) Gordon, and Sierra (Chris) Young; many nieces and nephews; and special friend: Mitchell Fields.

    He was preceded in death by his father; a sister-in-law: Kelli Fulk, and a granddaughter: Lillian Stoker.

    A Celebration of Life service will be held 7 p.m. Monday, March 25, 2019, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Pastor Bruce Horsley will officiate.  Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers or gifts memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with expenses and will be accepted through the funeral home.