William Francis “Bill” Stokes
William Francis “Bill” Stokes, formerly of Walhonding, passed away on his 77th birthday Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 at his residence.
He was born Jan. 27, 1947 in Coshocton to the late Hyle G. and Mildred I. (Long) Stokes. He was a 1966 graduate of Coshocton High School, where he played football. He worked at G.E. in Coshocton, retiring in 2004, was a coach and volunteer at East Knox schools for over 40 years, and he enjoyed playing softball in younger years. He loved dogs, caring for his lawn and gardening.
Bill is survived by his wife and love of his life, Gloria J. (Wilson) Stokes of Coshocton, whom he married June 7, 1968; two sons, Brian (Terri) Stokes of Columbus, Jake (Liza) Stokes of Walhonding; grandchildren, Kylie Stokes, Garrett Stokes, and William Stokes; a sister-in-law, Debbie (Dean) Davis; brothers-in-law, Greg and Bob Wilson; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Ralph Stokes, Roger Stokes, Janet (Billy) Blue, and Manda Lae Kreider; and a niece, Kelly Lynn (Greg) Borror.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 at Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw, with Pastor Bart Rine officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery, Warsaw. Visitation is 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. www.fischerfuneralhome.com
Bill was passionate about East Knox Athletics, so guests are encouraged to wear purple in his memory.
Memorial donations are suggested to the East Knox Athletic Boosters, P.O. Box 15 Howard, OH 43028; the Children’s Heart Foundation, www.childrensheartfoundation.org/ohio; or to the International Association for Spelling as Communication, www.i-asc.org.
Category: Obituaries
