Donald Edmund Stokes

Donald (Don) E. Stokes passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 12, 2023. Donald was born on August 5, 1934, in Baltimore, MD and was a longtime resident of Hampton, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank E. and Mary F. Stokes, his loving wife Marie R., sister, Dorothy Price, sister, Joan Dopkowski, and brother Gerald Stokes. He is survived by his brother, John "Skip" Stokes, children Jean Thomas (David), Donna Baker (Donald, deceased), Donald “Snuff” Stokes Jr. (Lisa), Denise Bailey (Tim), and Colinda Josefowicz (Tony); as well as eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Don joined the United States Air Force at the age of 17, arriving at Langley Air Force Base in 1968 after a year in Vietnam. He retired after 23 honorable years of service in 1974. He was a lifetime member of both the Disabled American Veterans Organization and the Air Force Sergeants Association. Don was an avid bowler who, at one time, bowled five nights per week. He was a member of the Hampton Roads Bowling Association (HRBA) for 29 years where he served as the Director and house representative for New Market Lanes, Classic Lanes, and Langley. While a member of the HRBA, Don received numerous awards including: Director of the Year, Man of the Year, HRBA Hall of Fame, and multiple merit service awards. He is loved by many and will be missed by all. The family will receive friends from 11 AM to Noon, Saturday, February 25th with services to follow at Parklawn Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N Armistead Ave., Hampton VA 23666, interment to immediately follow at Parklawn Memorial Park. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parklawn-woodfh.com for the Stokes family. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to St. Joseph Catholic Church's food pantry.