Anchorman Ron Stone Dies at 72

By Kristin White, Just Click Editor

Retired Anchorman, Ron Stone, known for his sign-off of "Good Night, neighbors," died Tuesday, May 13, at his home of cancer. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year.

Stone was born in Hanna, Oklahoma on April 6, 1936. He graduated from East Central State Teachers College in Ada, Oklahoma, and then worked for a while in several small Oklahoma markets in radio and television.

In, 1961 Stone was working at KVOO in Tulsa, when Dan Rather, the then Channel 11 lead anchor spotted him. Later, when Rather left for CBS, Stone took as place in the lead anchor chair. Stone left for New York in 1967 as a writer, but was only there for 10 months before going back to Channel 11. In 1972 he made the move to Channel 2, where he remained until 1972.

Stone also hosted the series, the Eye of Texas, founded Stonefilms of Texas, which produced corporate videos and documentaries on the history of Houston and Texas, and wrote four books on Texas History, with the fourth co-written by his son Ron Stone, Jr.

Many described Stone as down-to-earth and devoted to the community. He was very well liked by not just co-workers and friends, but the Houston community. Rather described Stone as becoming a big part of Houston and a "Texan to the Core." He is also accredited with the shaping the face of Houston broadcasting.

Survivors of his family include, his wife, Pat Stone, two daughters (Robin Brown and Julie Payne), two sons (Ron Stone, Jr. and Billy Stone), his sister (Joyce Murdock), and nine grandchildren. His family was around him in his final days.

Chance Thunderstorms, Probability Of Precipitation: 50%

Hi 93°F
Lo 69°F
Prec. 50%

Partly cloudy, 72°F

7 Day Forecast