Longtime Christian Standard Editor Sam E. Stone, 84, Dies

Former Christian Standard editor Sam E. Stone passed away from cardiac failure on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, at the age of 84. Over a lifetime of Christian ministry, Sam served as a preacher of the gospel in Ohio and Missouri, academic dean of Cincinnati Christian Seminary, Bible college professor, president of the North American Christian Convention, world missions advocate, author, and advocate for the developmentally disabled.

He served as Christian Standard editor for 25 years, from 1978 to 2003, the longest tenure in the magazine’s 154-year history.

The New Mexico native graduated from Ozark Bible College, Joplin, Mo., and also earned degrees from Cincinnati Bible Seminary.

He married an Ozark classmate, Gwen Gardner, in 1958; their two sons, Jeff and Dave, have served faithfully in ministry for decades. Gwen died in 2015 after 57 years of marriage.

Survivors include sons Jeff (and his wife, Johnnie) and Dave (and his wife, Beth) Stone, as well as six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Because of current restrictions due to COVID-19, the family will hold a private graveside service.  A celebration of life service will be held later in the spring at Bright (Ind.) Christian Church where Sam was a member.

Memorials may be made to the Stone Worship Center building project at The Christian Village at Mason (Ohio), where Sam had resided since 2017. The center is named in honor of Sam and Gwen Stone.

Sam Stone will be remembered as a faithful servant; devoted husband, father, and friend; and someone who always tried to speak the truth in love.

See Sam’s obituary for more information. We will follow up with more about Sam in upcoming days and weeks at ChristianStandard.com.