SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 11

(By Senators Tarr, Grady, Lindsay, and Jeffries)

[Introduced March 2, 2021]

Requesting the Division of Highways name a bridge carrying the newly erected US Route 35, located near Point Pleasant in Mason County, West Virginia, the “Darrell Chester Stone, Jr., Memorial Bridge”.

Whereas, Darrell Chester Stone, Jr., known in his community as “Chester”, was born on July 10, 1946, in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He resided most of his life in Mason County, West Virginia; and

Whereas, Upon graduation from Point Pleasant High School, Darrell Chester Stone, Jr., was drafted to serve the US Army on April 18, 1966, at age 20. He served until December 15, 1967; and

Whereas, Darrell Chester Stone, Jr., served during the Vietnam War until he was discharged due to serious injuries, including the loss of his left leg; and

Whereas, Darrell Chester Stone, Jr., lost his leg following injuries sustained on January 26, 1967, when his armored personnel carrier hit a landmine near the Dau Tien Vietnam base camp; and

Whereas, Darrell Chester Stone, Jr., was treated at the 45th Surgical Hospital and 36th Evacuation Hospital before he was evacuated and transferred to Walter Reed General Hospital on February 11, 1967, where he received additional treatment for approximately one year; and

Whereas, Darrell Chester Stone, Jr., was awarded the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device for his service and bravery; and

  Whereas, Upon return to Mason County, West Virginia, following his service, Darrell Chester Stone, Jr., went on to work as a heavy machine operator, truck driver, farmer, and ultimately retired from Appalachian Electric Power’s John Amos power plant in Winfield, West Virginia; and

Whereas, Darrell Chester Stone, Jr., was also a valued member of the Mason County community, where he served as an active member of the VFW Post #9926 (Mason, WV) and American Legion Post #23 (Point Pleasant, WV); and

Whereas, Sadly, Darrell Chester Stone, Jr., passed away November 17, 2019, at the age of 73, after battling a long illness; and 

Whereas, Darrell Chester Stone, Jr., is survived by his wife, Stella Stone, and two children, CJ Stone and Tracy Stone Ritchie, all residents of West Virginia; and

Whereas, Following his passing, Darrell Chester Stone, Jr., has left a great legacy for his family and community. All who knew him celebrated his work ethic, love of family, and paternal leadership; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Darrell Chester Stone, Jr., and his contributions to our state and country; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways name a bridge carrying the newly erected US Route 35, located near Point Pleasant in Mason County, West Virginia, as the “Darrell Chester Stone, Jr., Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the “Darrell Chester Stone, Jr., Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.