With deep sadness and uncertainty, we recognize the presumed passing of Howard Nielsen Stone, aged 64, of Spanish Fork, Utah, who tragically disappeared on August 10, 2024, while hiking in Emery County, Utah. Despite exhaustive search efforts, Howard remains missing, and his loved ones hold his memory close as they continue to hope for closure and understanding.
Howard was born October 4, 1959, in Spanish Fork to Lola (Nielsen) and Thane Stone, the fourth of their five children. Growing up on the Nielsen block, Howard was surrounded by extended family and friends he remained close to throughout his life.
He graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1978, where he participated in student government, choir, and football. After high school, Howard served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Japan and returned home to enroll at Brigham Young University, where he studied finance.
While at BYU, Howard met Cindy Lisonbee. They were married on March 12, 1982, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Together, they raised four children and eventually settled back in Spanish Fork, where they shared many years and memories. Howard was a diligent journaler, taking time most evenings to record the events of that day. He was always up for a late-night game of cards or Tetris, continued to play early-morning pickup basketball well beyond his athletic prime, and collected t-shirts from the local colleges and universities of cities he visited. He also loved attending musicals at Tuacahn with family and friends.
Howard was connected to his community and fulfilled many roles within his faith, including twice serving as bishop, where he offered care and support. He spent most of his career working on the business side of the healthcare industry, most recently as the Business Office Director at the Center for Change in Orem. He looked forward to his upcoming retirement when he could spend more time playing with his grandchildren, golfing with his brothers, and cheering for his beloved BYU Cougars.
Howard is survived by his wife, Cindy; his children Brandon (Irene) of North Salt Lake, Utah; Jessica Church of Springfield, Illinois; and Shelby Dahl (Trevor) of Valencia, California; and twelve grandchildren, who loved having fun with their Papa. He is also survived by his brothers Steven (Nancy) and Brad (Judy) of Spanish Fork, and his sister Cynthia Partridge (Clark) of Mesa, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Cathy Schumann, and his youngest son, Dayne.
We invite you to join us for a celebration of his life on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 6-8 p.m., and a memorial service on Saturday, November 2 at 11 a.m., with an open house from 9:45 – 10:45 before the service. Services will be held at the LDS church at 1851 S 2300 E, Spanish Fork.
The Stone family would like to thank the Emery County Sheriff’s Office and Search & Rescue volunteers, Goblin Valley State Park employees, Utah Department of Public Safety, and the many friends and family members who joined in the search efforts and supported us in countless ways as we continue to search for Howard.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Emery County Search & Rescue in Howard’s memory.
Copyright 2026 © All rights reserved. Walker Funeral Home by Mountain Media
5 Condolences for Howard Nielsen Stone
Condolences(5)
Jessica (Boyer) Johnson says
November 1, 2024 at 6:05 pmI’m sending you all the love in the world, Cindy. I know you and Howard will be together again, but this grief has to be so overwhelming. I am praying for you and your family. I will be unable to make it the long drive this weekend, but will be watching the live stream. ❤️
Sandra Stone Johnson says
November 1, 2024 at 11:47 pmDearest Family,
I can’t convey the depth of sorrow I feel for your loss! Please know that my heart and prayers are with you at this time. Howard has always been so sweet and especially attentive to my parents and fun to visit with! We will continue to keep you in our prayers! All our Love Sandra Stone Johnson and family.
Jen Carter says
November 2, 2024 at 4:51 pmHoward was an amazing boss! God bless you and your family, during this hard time. Sorry that I’m not able to attend today. I’ll be watching the services for you.
Jane Voorhees says
November 16, 2024 at 2:27 amCindy and family, I cannot begin to imagine the great loss you all must be feeling and going through.
I had the great experience of working for Howard for almost 10 yrs at MVH. He was a great boss, he put up with me through an ugly, divorce, being a single mom, a wedding, and then my long commute from Moroni. ( He was understanding in bad weather and child sickness)
Howard always expressed a great love for his family and was a proud husband and a very proud Dad..
My heart aches for you all, my husband and my sons, who had all met Howard, send their deepest sympathies and regards,
Jane Kendal Shane Nate and Chase
Cy Stanton says
December 8, 2025 at 4:21 pmMy wife and I didn’t know Howard, but we’re sending our deepest condolences to his family. We saw his poster while camping at Goblin Valley in August 2024. I’ve also been hiking solo in that area and realized I didn’t have cell coverage. After seeing Howard’s poster and learning he was never found, it made me buy a Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite communications and GPS tracking device—something I hope I never need to use, but will have with me in case of an emergency. I can thank Howard for my getting this device.
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