Alfred G. Hone, 87, of Warren, Pa, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan, died on Wednesday November 19, 2025, in the Warren Manor after a brief illness.
He was born in Traverse City, Michigan on August 24, 1938, the son of the late Frances Elizabeth and Grant Music. Al was a graduate of Battle Creek High School and then graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s in music. He served his country in the United States Air Force where he was a Trombonist in the Air Force Band. One of Al’s first jobs was working as an Iron Worker on the construction of the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan.
He retired from Paw Paw High School as the Band Director, working for over 30 years. Al was a trombonist with the Kalamazoo Concert Band as well. He was an avid sportsman, outdoorsmen, and photographer. He also was a collector of fishing reels, binoculars, and cameras, but his main passion in life was music, especially classical music. In 2014, he and Monica relocated to Warren, PA.
On August 20, 1966, in St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Kalamazoo, Michigan, he married the love of his life, Monica Bruce Hone, and they spent 59 loving years together.
In addition to his loving wife, Monica, Al is survived by his son, David F. Hone and his wife Noelle, of Warren, and one sister, Ruth Music of Petoskey, MI.
Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the Family. Burial with full military honors will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
I have many fond memories of Mr Hone: the Director of the Paw Paw HighSchool and Middle School Bands while I was there; band Camps at Michigan State; Marching Band and halftime shows. I played basketball for PPHS the Pep Band was an integral part of the home game experience. Great music, great laugh and great memories. You will be missed. My condolences to the family. And, may God’s blessings surround the family during this time of grieving.
Eternal Rest Grant Unto Him O Lord, May The Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him, And May He Rest In Peace. Amen
When I arrived at PPHS, Mr. Hone welcomed me to the band with open arms. Shortly after, he moved me to the drum line. After that, my music career took off. He was amazed at how quickly I picked up the cadence and other music.
He was not only a teacher and mentor, he was a good friend. Deepest Condolences to Monica, his son and my good friend and mentor, David, and the rest of his family.
I spent a lot of years in Al’s music classes and I always thought he was pretty good guy. I ran into him quite a bit after I graduated as I continued to play music and would occasionally see him in a jazz joint somewhere.. The man did love his music.. I also ran into him at Norman’s Camera Store in Kalamazoo he and I shared a laugh or two about that store being a second home.. I lost track of him after he retired though..
My sincere condolences go out to Al’s family and friends may he rest in peace…
My deepest condolences to Monica and David. I only became aware quite recently of Al’s passing. What a jovial sort. My love to all. Laurie Heim.