Obituary of Dr. Marvin Stone

A message from the family... We would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers, we ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve and move forward, as well as the many others touched by this tragedy in need of healing and comfort. Marvin and Bonnie were amazing individuals who were well loved by their families, friends, co-workers and students. Marvin Stone, 65 of Stillwater, Oklahoma passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 24th 2015. Marvin Lyle Stone was born on June 22, 1950 in Denver, CO to Lyle Wesley and Laura Elizabeth (Howe) Stone. He was the oldest of six children. Marvin was a very alert and precocious child. He started school in 1956 at the Flagler Public Schools and graduated in 1968. At age 10, he began going on work calls with his dad. At age 16, he worked on the farm with W.M. Pickens during the summers. He completed his first two years of college at Otero Junior College (OJC) in LaJunta, where he met the love of his life, Bonnie. Marvin and Bonnie were married December 31, 1970 in La Junta, Colorado. Upon graduation from OJC, they relocated to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State University where he would complete his Bachelors degree in Agriculture Engineering in 1973. Bonnie began work as a secretary and Marvin continued his studies at CSU and began working towards his Masters degree. Upon completion of his Masters degree in 1977 they moved to St. Louis where he worked for Ralston Purina for two years as a food technologist. They then relocated to Pullman, Wa. where Marvin began work on his Doctorate in Engineering Science at Washington State University. After completing his PhD in 1982, Marvin and Bonnie relocated to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where they both gained employment at Oklahoma State University. Marvin taught and conducted research in the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department for 24 years, retiring in 2006 as a Regents Professor. Marvin was an outstanding teacher with a gift for engaging students and helping them learn. He could teach a wide variety of subject matter and many former students identified him as the best teacher they had during their entire college careers. Marvin was also an excellent and caring advisor and mentor for both undergraduate and graduate students. His legacy includes hundreds of appreciative alumni who are pursuing productive careers in industry, government, and academia. Marvin’s record of accomplishments in research was every bit as impressive as his teaching. His talent extended into many areas, but his particular expertise was in developing sensors, automatic controls, and communication systems for agricultural equipment. He was a key contributor to the faculty team that developed the cutting-edge and highly acclaimed GreenSeeker technology for sensor-based variable-rate application of nitrogen fertilizer. Marvin was also a prominent figure in international standards work related to communication systems for off-road equipment. He headed the U.S. standards delegation that worked with representatives of many other countries in developing ISO Standard 11783. Marvin’s technical ability and reputation were at the very top of his profession. Not surprisingly, Marvin was recognized with many prestigious awards at the department, university, national, and international level. These recognitions spanned teaching, research, and professional service. Marvin was a Fellow in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and served on its Board of Trustees. In 2005, he was the recipient of the OSU Eminent Faculty Award, which is the highest distinction give to faculty members. In addition to his many awards Marvin also holds many patents and is credited as an author in several books. Marvin truly loved his work and the people with whom he worked. He was a wonderful colleague, a giant in his profession, and a real difference maker. Marvin and Bonnie were inseparable in life and in death. They always supported each other and enjoyed having lunch together each day while working. They loved to explore the world, and regularly went backpacking, camping, scuba diving and snorkeling throughout the United States and abroad. He was very close to his family, talked to his mother weekly and often returned to Colorado to help complete projects side-by-side with his brothers. He always showed interest in each of his nieces, nephews and their children's' lives. Marvin is survived by his mother Laura Elizabeth Stone, brother Connie Stone, brother Len (Nola) Stone, sister Peggy Stone-Saquid, brother Kelly (Lucy) Stone, sister Laura Beth (Rick) Pelton, nephew Robyn Stone, nephew Collin (Jennifer) Stone, niece Apryl (Christopher) Huelskamp, nephew Randy (Angie) Stone, nephew Christopher (Carla) Stone, niece Laurie Stone, niece Tiani (Bryson) Moses, nephew Maika Saquid, nephew Daniel (Melanie) Stone, nephew Thomas (Shelsea) Stone, niece Brittany (Marc) Fluery, niece Jessica Stone, nephew Tyler Pelton, niece Amber (Kirk) Saffer, many great-nieces and great-nephews, and a multitude of cousins. He was proceeded in death by his father Lyle Wesley Stone.