Deacon Richard L. Stokes

Deacon Richard L. Stokes, 93, of Coatesville, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, July 23, 2017, at the Brandywine Hospital in Caln. Born in Monticello, Florida, he was the son of the late Bosiey and Frances (nee Feacher) Stokes.  Richard was the husband of the late Josephine Z. Stokes with whom he shared 22 years of marriage.

A US Army Veteran, he served 20 years during World War II and the Korean Conflict until he was honorably discharged in 1963.  

He was employed at the Coatesville Veteran Administration Medical Center (VAMC) for 20 years until he retired in 1989.  

He had received many honors, awards, and certificates from many organizations for his service to his community, church, and organizations. He was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church for many years. A 33rd Degree Mason, he was a member of the Lily of the Valley Lodge #59, Minaret Temple #174, Ruth M. Tucker Girls Youth Department of Deborah Grand Chapter OES, J&H Memorial Girls Youth Department #12, Eureka Chapter #12 OES PHA, the Charles E. Gordon Consistory #65 and Holy Royal Arch Mason, Mt. Lebanon #18.

His additional community involvement included: a lifetime member of the Washington Fire Department where he served as Chaplain; past member of the State Fire Police, Chester County Fire Police and Coatesville Fire Police; volunteer for Coatesville Food Cupboard; lifetime member of the NAACP, Board of Directors at the Coatesville Community Center and the Glenmoore Group.

He was the oldest male member of Christian Faith Fellowship in Downingtown, PA.

In addition to his wife Josephine, he is preceded in death by four brothers, Louis, Willie, David, Sonny and five sisters, Suzie, Nellie, Estella, and Carrie.

He is survived by five daughters, Dr. Margretta Tucker (Vincent) of Pittsburgh, PA, B. Kaye Woods (Larry) of Coatesville, PA, Deborah Z. Simien of Anchorage, AK, Rosa M. Stokes of Coatesville, PA, Angela Grove (Isaac) of Coatesville; four siblings,  Annie O'Neill, Mitchell Stokes, Wilbur Stokes and James Stokes; 6 grandchildren: Latina Woods, Ashley Simien, Jessica Jemmott (David), Lawrence Woods, Alysia Tucker, Josephine Grove; 7 great-grandchildren; an uncle, James C. Feacher (Patricia); an aunt, Elberta Snow and a host of other relatives and friends.

Service celebrating his life will begin Monday, July 31, 2017 with a viewing from 5 PM – 9 PM at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 819 Coates Street, Coatesville, PA 19320. Friends may visit with the family at 6 PM followed by Masonic Services at 7 PM.

An additional viewing will be held at 9 AM on Tuesday, August 1, 2017.  Funeral services will begin at 11 AM followed by interment with full military honors in Philadelphia Memorial Park in Frazer, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Richard’s honor to the American Stroke Association PO Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692.