Stanley Gilbert Stokes

Funeral services for Stanley Gilbert Stokes, 67, of Big Sandy will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 4, 2015, at Little Mound Baptist Church (11746 FM 49, Big Sandy, TX), officiated by Brother Charles Johnson officiating. Interment will be in the Little Mound Cemetery in Upshur County. Stanley Gilbert Stokes, age 67, died peacefully in Gilmer, Texas, on June 1, 2015. He was born in Gilmer, Texas, on February 8, 1948, the son of Hughlene Thompson Stokes and the late Alton G. Stokes. He was preceded in death by his sister, Nelda Stokes. After graduating from Gilmer High School in 1965, he received a BS in Mechanical Engineering & BBA in Business Management from the University of Texas at Austin. He enjoyed a successful career in the oil and gas industry, both in Texas and abroad. He was a proud 8th generation Texan and a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, Sons of the American Revolution, and the General Society of the War of 1812. He served as an ordained deacon of Little Mound Baptist Church. He married Elizabeth "Betty" Young in San Angelo, Texas, in 1971. Together, they lived life fully and traveled the world: celebrating Stan"s 48th birthday at the Taj Mahal, trekking the foothills of the Himalayas, camping with Bedouin under the desert stars in the Arabian Desert, climbing to the top of Mt. Sinai, sailing the Nile River and French canals, and riding on the backs of camels and elephants. Their many travels always brought them back home to their beloved East Texas, where Stan spent many relaxing days passing the time on the family farm. Stan"s nature was gentle and kind, and he treated people with dignity and respect, regardless of their ethnicity or station in life. His willingness to help others was manifested through his mission work in the Middle East and South America, as well as volunteer efforts for many local nonprofit organizations. He cherished his family and took great pleasure in being "Grandpa Stan" to his five grandchildren. He was proud to have a host of friends to call upon from all corners of the world. He is survived by his wife Betty of Big Sandy, Texas, and his daughters: Stephanie Davis (Alan), Jessica Sorvala (Donny) and grandchildren: Preston, Nathan, & Austin Davis, and Maya and Claire Sorvala. He is also survived by his mother Hughlene Stokes, brother, Steve Stokes (Gay Nell), and sisters, Melissa Holmes (David) and Stella Stokes. He will be fondly remembered by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many family and friends. The family wishes to thank Stan"s caregiver Renee Matsuo, the loving staff at Wesley Oaks Memory Care, and Care Team Home Health & Hospice Agency. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2015, from 6:00 " 8:00 pm at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer. Memorial contributions may be made to the Little Mound Cemetery Association: PO Box 1387, Gilmer, Texas, 75644.