John Robert Stokes Jr.

John R. Stokes, Jr., 83, of Brooksville passed away Monday, September 7, 2015. He was born in Valdosta, Georgia to John R. and Frances Stokes and grew up in Apalachicola, FL. John was a twenty-year US Navy veteran, who served with distinction in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and was credited with saving the lives of the crew and vessel and was subsequently awarded the Navy/Marine Corps Medal of Heroism for his valor in fighting a fire aboard the USS Vital. John was a deacon and active member of the First United Methodist Church from 1972-2006 in Brooksville and an active member of Kiwanis. He retired from the Florida Division of Forestry, after having served for 20 years as a maintenance supervisor at Withlacoochee State Park. John was not only considered a hero to many, but was also a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, granduncle and a trusted friend and neighbor. He was known for bringing laughter to everyone around him, for showing his humility and kindness to all in his life, and putting smiles on the faces of all he encountered.

John’s wife, and love of his life, Satsue Stokes, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his son George Stokes and wife LeAnne; brothers James F. Stokes and wife Margaret; Ross A. Stokes and wife Mary Beth; grandchildren Kristen Lee Stokes and Mikale de Graff; Candice Lee Stokes; Chloe Lee Stokes; grandniece Tayler Walker; grandnephews Tyler Walker and Kearns Claugherty.

A memorial service and viewing will be held from 5-7pm Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Turner Funeral Home in Spring Hill. Graveside service will be held at 1:30pm Sunday, September 13, 2015 at Oakside Cemetery in Zephyrhills, Florida.

As John was a lifelong animal lover, the family asks that friends and loved ones donate to a local animal rescue, ARF’N, in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made online at http://www.arfn.org/make-a-donation/ or by checks mailed to the following address:

ARF'N

23243 Grubbs Rd

Brooksville, FL

34601

Arrangements were entrusted to Turner Funeral Home 14360 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, Florida 34609. 352-796-9661