Richard L. Stokes of Coatesville

Richard L. Stokes, 93, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2017, at the Brandywine Hospital.

Born in Monticello, FL, he was the son of the late Bosiey and Frances Stokes and the husband the late Josephine Z. Stokes with whom he shared 22 years.

He served 20 years in the US Army, and was employed at the Coatesville VA Medical Center for 20 years.

Richard was 33rd Degree Mason, a member of the Lily of the Valley Lodge #59, Minaret Temple #174, Charles E. Gordon Consistory #65 and Holy Royal Arch Mason, Mt. Lebanon #8. He was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Eureka Chapter #12, Ruth M. Tucker Girls Youth Dept. of the State of PA OES, J&H Girls Youth Dept. #12, a former member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, lifetime member of the NAACP, served on the Coatesville Community Center Board of Directors and the Glenmoore Group. He was a lifetime member of the Washington Hose Fire Department; past member of the State, Chester County and Coatesville Fire Police; volunteer for the Coatesville Food Cupboard; and currently a member of Christian Faith Fellowship in Downingtown.

He is preceded in death by eight siblings: Louis, Willie, David, Sonny, Suzie, Nellie, Estella and Carrie.

He is survived by five daughters, Dr. Margretta Tucker (Vincent) of Pittsburgh, PA, B. Kaye Woods (Larry), Rosa M. Stokes and Angela Grove (Isaac) all of Coatesville, Deborah Z. Simien of Anchorage, AK; 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; uncle, James C. Feacher (Patricia); aunt, Elberta Snow and a host of other relatives and friends.

Service celebrating his life will begin Monday, July 31 with a viewing from 5 PM – 9 PM at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 819 Coates St., Coatesville, PA. 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 Tuesday, August 1. Services will begin at 11 AM followed by interment with full military honors in Philadelphia Memorial Park, Frazer, PA.

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

Arrangements are by Wright Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., www. wright funeral services. com.