Uhl Keith Stone, 87, of Lafayette passed away at 12:50 pm on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Franciscan Health in Lafayette. He was born September 11, 1930 in Boswell to the late Reed and Damie (Baugh) Stone.

Keith attended Purdue University and served in the US Navy as a radio operator from January 1951 until December 1954.

On November 17, 1956 he married Barbara J. Wilson at Brown Street United Methodist Church in Lafayette. Barb was his Jitter Bug dancing partner for life. She passed away on October 26, 2006

While attending Purdue University, Keith was a bartender at the Chesterfield Tavern. Keith was presented a business opportunity, by a man named Lynn Treece, to bring Burger Chef Restaurants to the Lafayette area. Keith opened his first Burger Chef restaurant in June of 1959 and developed a total 43 across Indiana and other states. He also owned the Stone Bull, a fine dining restaurant in Lafayette and owned several Ponderosa Steak House restaurants. He also owned a Black Angus cattle ranch in Texas. With Keith’s unwavering generosity and compassion for life, he made a lot of friends and he mentored a lot of people and helped enrich their lives. Keith was instrumental in training many people in the restaurant business to become leaders. He was an excellent businessman well respected by everyone in the Burger Chef Franchise System and the community.

Keith was one of the founders of the Indiana Pacers ABA League professional basketball team.

Keith also sponsored the Burger Chef Generals, a local football team in Lafayette.

Keith was a former member of the John Purdue Club, Lafayette Country Club, Elks and American Legion Post # 11. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing golf, cards, deep sea fishing and thoroughbred horse racing.

Keith and Barbara wintered in Lauderdale-by-Sea, FL for many years. 

Surviving are two daughters, Dru Stone and Tammi Stone (Companion Joe Richardson) both of Lafayette, a grandson, Bryce and two great grandchildren, Kylar and Arya.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Steve Stone and a sister, Reva Norwood.

Keith’s family would like to express their thanks to Dr Riddell, Dr Reed, Dr Rani and Dr Abou Jaoude, our special nurse Janie Phillips, the Palliative Care Team at Franciscan Health. Also Keith’s caregivers at home, Kris Taylor, Connie Holifield, Linda Lou Penn and Sandy Bowman for their caring and compassion.

A private family entombment will take place at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Those wishing may contribute in Keith’s name to either the American Heart Association or Natale’s Second Chance animal shelter.