Saturday flyover confirmed for fallen WWII pilot Stone

Published 12:29 am Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Weather permitting, Saturday’s services for 2nd Lt. Walter B. Stone will include a military flyover, family members said this week.

Stone was 24 when he died on Oct. 22, 1943, when his P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft crashed in northern France during a bomber escort mission. His remains were recently identified.

At 10 a.m. Sat., May 11, a procession to Pleasant Home Baptist Church is planned. The hearse will leave Foreman Funeral Home, travel through downtown Andalusia, where flags will be displayed in Stone’s  honor at First Baptist, City Hall, First United Methodist, and on the Court Square. Residents are encouraged to line the route much as they would for a parade, Mayor Earl Johnson said Tuesday.

From the Court Square, the procession will continue down South Three Notch to Hwy. 29, continuing to Eagle Drive and the church.

A funeral service is set for 11 a.m., followed by internment in the church cemetery with full military honors.

A visitation is planned at Foreman’s from 5 until 9 p.m. on Fri., May 10.