Obituary: Stokes, Harold L. “Tony”
Age 85
He was born March 21, 1927 in Spokane to William and Isabelle Stokes.
Tony graduated from West Valley High School and promptly enlisted in the US Marine Corps.
He served as the Company Bugler from 1945 to 1949.
After the military he went to work for Hollenback Racing where he met and married Betty Manderscheid on July 14, 1952.
Six children later he became very active in Scouting, Masons, Job’s Daughters, camping, and teaching his children various life lessons and skills.
When the children were grown, he took to motorcycle riding and he and Betty toured the country on his Gold Wing as often as they could.
After Betty passed away, Tony retired from the City of Spokane Water Dept.
and moved to Elk, WA where he met Reka Cravens.
She soon joined in his passion for motorcycles by exchanging vows on March 21, 1991 while they were riding down the highway.
His other passions included playing his guitar or piano and singing, especially for his family and friends.
And of course his hat collection.
Tony was a very generous and vibrant person who touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Tony is survived by his daughters, Sandra L. Martin, Charlene R. Smiley, Patty J. Weidmer, Carole L. Beck and Cathy L. Rockstrom; sisters, Ruth Hanson, Jessie Gartz and Lucille Kettleson and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren through family and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Betty L. Stokes; wife of 18 years, Reka N. (Cravens) Stokes and his son, Richard E. Stokes.
Please join us in remembering Tony on Friday, February 1st at 2:00 PM at the funeral home chapel with open viewing 10:00 AM until the service begins.
In his memory we invite those who would like to wear a funny hat and share your favorite “Tony-ism” with us to please feel free to do so.
Please visit Tony’s on-line memorial at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com Arrangements entrusted to: