Local Navy SEAL killed in skydiving crash

Commander Seth Stone's parachute in question

HOUSTON – Navy Commander Seth Stone is being remembered in his hometown as a patriot who served his country and as a man who loved his family, friends and comrades.

The highly-decorated Navy SEAL was killed in a non-military related skydiving accident in Riverside County, California on Saturday.

His posted videos show how much he loved a sport he learned through his training. His mother and sister in Spring said there is much to be missed about the combat veteran who also was kind and deeply committed to his faith.

"He was selfless and humble. Humble, really humble," Stone's sister Heather Blailock said. "He served not just his country but his friends and people he didn't know."

"He was a very funny guy. He had a really great laugh and we was a family are gonna miss his visits," his mother Deborah Varsel said.

Before he earned his SEAL trident, Stone grew up in the Houston area.

He graduated from Lamar High School in 1995 where he was the captain of the lacrosse team. His athleticism and sense of adventure led him to the United States Naval Academy and eventually numerous awards and decorations as a SEAL.

"When he earned his silver stars he never told anybody," Blailock said. "I actually had found out. A friend told me they saw him on TV. He didn't even tell me."

And now, a family left in mourning also holds a treasure trove of memories.

"Extremely proud. Very, very proud," his mother said. "He was a good man."

A memorial service will be held for Stone locally at the West University Baptist Church on Oct. 18 at 10 a.m.

They are pushing to have his remains interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego where his best friend is buried.

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Emmy Award-winning anchor, husband, dad, German Shepherd owner, Crossfitter, Game of Thrones junkie, chupacabra hunter.