Thomas R. Stokes

Bristol, Va.



Thomas R. Stokes, Lt. Col. United States Air Force retired, 89, went home to join his beloved wife in heaven October 10, 2016, after a life filled with service, great adventures, and exciting people. He was a patriot from his youth, persuading his parents to give their permission for him to enlist in the Army when he was only 17 years old. He went on to serve in the Army Air Corps, the predecessor to the United States Air Force. Thomas retired from the Air Force and the Air National Guard after 28 years of service.



Heavily influenced by his older comrades while serving in Germany, Thomas committed to pursuing a college education when he returned to the United States. He graduated from King College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1951; received his teacher's certificate from the state of Virginia in 1952, and completed his Master of Education at the University of Virginia in 1957. He served in the Washington County Public School System for 36 years, beginning as Principal at Mendota High School, then taught and served as a football coach at Holston until John S. Battle High School opened. Thomas was the chairman of the English department and served as the debate coach at John S. Battle until he retired in 1988. He was named Teacher of the Year in 1985 and was recognized by the Washington County School Board for his dedicated service to children and the improvement of the educational opportunities of the youth of Washington County.



Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Leona Stokes; his wife, Jeanne Bell Stokes and his sister, June Arnold. He is survived by his nieces Candi Arnold and Sherry Freeman and his nephews, Tom Arnold and Harold Bell. Thomas family would like to express their sincere graditute to the wonderful women who lovingly cared for him, especially Diana and Pat.



The visitation for Thomas Stokes will be held from 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 14, 2016, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 15, 2016, at Forest Hills Memory Gardens where Tom Arnold, Adam Arnold, Jared Arnold, Joseph Gallahan, George Mynarcik, Darrell Ritchie, and Leslie Bell will serve as pallbearers. Military honors will be provided by Shaw Air Force Base. Those wishing to attend the service are welcome to meet the family at the funeral home by 10:30 a.m. Saturday for a procession to the cemetery.



In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.



Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The Stokes family is in the care of Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).