Clifford W. Stone

Cliff Stone is a man who made the world a better place to live, especially in Kansas. His hometown of El Dorado and his interest in Wichita both led to him becoming a benefactor of his great generosity and wisdom. Cliff has been quoted as being a philanthropist and humanitarian, but these hardly begin to describe this kind and humble man. There is not enough room to list the accomplishments Cliff achieved. Cliff was a pilot with the 15th Air Force in World War III. Shot down on his 51st mission, he became a POW at Stalag 1 for the remainder of the war. Upon returning to El Dorado Cliff began his career as owner of Walnut Valley State Bank, now Commerce Bank. He was on the Board of Directors and a major contributor to the Butler County Historical Museum, Kansas Oil Museum, Butler Community College, Coutts Museum of Art, El Dorado Inc., Red Cross, Celebration of Freedom, Freedom Memorial, and many more. All of these organizations have benefited from his innovative ideas and financial contributions. In Wichita, Cliff was a major contributor and supporter to the Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita Art Museum, Botanica, The Wichita Symphony, Wichita Children’s Home, Exploration Place, Sedgwick County Zoo, and many other organizations. Cliff’s service to Wichita has been unsurpassed. Those who knew Cliff loved him. At the age of 90, he was still a visionary and his generous financial contributions are only a part of his gifts. Cliff also contributed his time and leadership efforts to make Kansas a better place.