Carl Walker Stonerock, Gunner’s Mate Third Class

Carl Stonerock was born in New Castle, Indiana November 6, 1917. He was 27
years old and working as a clothing salesman when he joined the U.S. Navy in
June, 1944, in his words “because I felt it was my duty”. He received his
basic training at the Great Lakes training center, was then ordered to New
Orleans and from there to Panama where he was stationed aboard the SS
Mission Santa Cruz, as a Gunner’s Mate Third Class; part of the Navy Armed
Guard aboard a T2 petroleum tanker who’s mission was to refuel battle ships
in the South Pacific. He faithfully fulfilled his duties and was honorably
discharged in January, 1946

After the war, Carl returned to New Castle, where he worked as a restaurant
manager in New Castle and Connersville. He was married to Betty Lee in
April, 1949, and moved to Greensboro, Indiana, where he lived for the
remainder of his life. To this union, two children were born. Gregory Lee,
who died at birth, and Kevin Paul, born 1956. Carl took a job with Sears,
Roebuck and Company in 1961 and retired from that company in 1981. He then
went to work at Henry County Memorial Hospital as a security guard and was
eventually promoted to security chief.

In December 1995, Carl was diagnosed with leukemia and died six weeks later
at the age of 78, on January 16, 1996. He was interred at Hicksite Cemetery,
Greensboro, Indiana with military honors. He was a kind man who kept his
word; a wonderful father and grandfather who loved his family and his God,
had a good work ethic and many friends. He seldom talked about his war
experience unless asked, but was proud of his association with the United
States Navy and the role he and so many others of his generation played in
the cause of freedom.

If you knew Carl, please contact his son Kevin at gbpike@nltc.net