Johnnie L Stokes

John, born in Ft. Worth, Texas, in 1935, died peacefully at home on May 27, 2010. John always stayed true to his cowboy roots. He loved his family, his westerns, Texas Hold-em Poker and his Dallas Cowboys.

John had the good fortune of having three loves in his life. John and Norma Lee, his high school sweetheart and first love, were married for 35 years. During those years, John served in the army for the Korean War, took up professional boxing and rode bulls in the rodeo. John was most proud of the fact that he was an independent cross-country truck driver for 30 years. He also had time to help raise their children, Kathy and John Jr.

After Norma Lee's death, John relocated to South Florida to live with his daughter Kathy, her husband Ed and their two children, Scott and Jennifer. Kathy played matchmaker and introduced her father to Dolores Imbrenda. John loved fishing in Deerfield Beach and referred to his car as the "Fish Mobile". He proudly handed down "Fish Mobile" to Tom and Tim when they were teenagers. John and Dolores had six happy years until her death.

Once again, John found love and married Claudette spending nine wonderful years in Jacksonville, Fl. He became a father figure to his step-sons Tom and Tim. An avid Gator fan, John proudly wore his Gator hat around town while couriering for J. Lucas and Associates, his brother-in-laws business. John worked up until the week before his death bringing us all cookies and making his deliveries.

John is survived by his wife, Claudette; daughter Kathy and husband Ed Martin, Charln and her husband Dick Mc Bride; 6 Grandchildren; 8 great great - grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, John Stokes Jr. and his granddaughter Mandy Stokes.

John fought a valiant fight for three years against cancer. He loved his family, driving his red truck, and staying true to himself. We will remember his wit, his stories and his smile. He will be dealry missed.

Graveside service will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday , June 5, 2010 at the Fairview Cemetery. There is no planned visitation