Dean Edward Stokes

Dean Edward Stokes, age 60. went to be with the Lord On Thursday, March 13, 2014. He was born October 12, 1953, in South Bend, Indiana. He was the third son born to the late Mose and Lula Stokes. His brothers James Stokes, Robert Stokes and Dennis Stokes preceded him in death. His remaining sibling is Mrs. Susan Lockwood, who lives in Osceola, Indiana. He attributes his early commitment to Christ to being a member of a Middle School Football Team, where his coach Mr. Jonathan Jordan, took an interest in his life and undertook the task of accompanying him and his team to church to hear the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Members of the team were encouraged to confess their belief in Christ and be baptized in the Christian faith.

He attended Adams High School and graduated with the Class of 1973. He received a football scholarship to attend Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Because of a devastating football injury during the season he had to cancel his college football career. In the year, 1985, he pursued a military career in the United States Navy. serving in Europe. In 1986, he and Miss Deirdre McKinney were united in holy matrimony. To them was born a son, on May 12, 1987, whom they named Jonathan Dean Stokes, to honor the memory of this Middle School Football Coach. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, his former wife Mrs. Deirdre Stokes, their only son Jonathan Dean Stokes, as well as a sister, Mrs. (Eric) Lockwood. along with a host of family members and three weeks ago, he reemphasized his Christian beliefs, faith, and hope in Jesus Christ, to Reverend Marshall Murphy and accepted Communion. On Thursday morning, March 13, 2014, he departed this life to be with our Almighty Lord Jesus Christ. 

Reposted 5/9/2024 EJS