Bob Stone, Direct Marketing Legend and DMA Hall of Famer, Passes Away

February 28, 2007 — The Direct Marketing Association was saddened today to learn that Bob Stone — businessman, teacher, mentor, writer, and direct marketing legend — passed away on February 26. Stone, 88 years old, had been in declining health for most of the past year.

Jim Kobs, President of KOBS Strategic Consulting and former chairman of the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation Board of Trustees, commented today, “We’ve lost a legend. Bob literally wrote the book on direct marketing and will always be Mr. Direct Marketing in my book.”

In 1966, soon after beginning his career in business-to-business direct marketing, Stone opened one of Chicago’s first direct response agencies, Stone & Adler. At about the same time, Stone helped to found the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation (DMEF), which he actively and generously supported for many years thereafter.

One of Stone’s most notable achievements was authoring “Successful Direct Marketing Methods.” This influential book, now in its seventh edition and co-authored by Ron Jacobs, continues to have a significant impact on the global, multichannel direct marketing community.

Stone also wrote “Direct Marketing Success Stories” and co-authored “Successful Telemarketing.” He was a feature columnist for Advertising Age for 12 years, writing over 200 articles on the subject of direct marketing.

Over the years, Stone taught degree programs at Northwestern University and the University of Missouri. He lectured extensively in the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

In 1979, in recognition of his many contributions to direct marketing, DMA inducted Bob Stone into its Hall of Fame.

Stone was also the recipient of the Charles S. Downes Award for direct marketing contributions, the Edward N. Mayer, Jr. Award for contributions to direct marketing education, and two Gold Echo Awards as well as the John Caples Award for copy excellence.

Funeral Arrangements

The William H. Scott Funeral Home in Wilmette, IL, is handling funeral details for the Stone family. The visitation will be held on Friday, March 2 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. (CST) at the William H. Scott Funeral Home, at 1100 Greenleaf Avenue in Wilmette.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 3 at 11:00 a.m. (CST) at the Chapel at Loyola Academy, located at 1100 Laramie (at Lake Avenue), in Wilmette.

Donations in Bob Stone’s name can be sent to the Chicago Association of Direct Marketing Educational Foundation at 203 Wabash, Chicago, IL 60601.

The leadership and staff of DMA and the DMEF extend their sincere sympathy to Bob Stone’s family.

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