Nearly 20 emergency vehicles lined Highway T-25 north of Tracy Wednesday as first responders from Marion and Mahaska County honored the passing of 69-year-old Ray Stone of Tracy.

Stone was former Chief of the Clay Township Fire Department, former Marion County Emergency Management Coordinator, and a volunteer with the Red Cross.

Brice Loonan, Chief of the Clay Township Fire Department tells KNIA/KRLS News that while Stone retired from the Department several years ago, he was always a great mentor for younger firefighters, and that he will be missed.

In his youth, Stone was also known as one of the very best fastpitch softball players in the area. According to Ray, “it was always a good day to play two.”

Stone passed away February 25.