Elmer Stokes Sr.

George Elmer Stokes Sr., 78, a long-time resident of Eastport and previously of Davidsonville, died February 23 at his home, following a three year battle with cancer. He was born on January 23, 1935 in Annapolis to the late Sara Carita and John E. Stokes Jr. Elmer served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserves, advancing to the rank of SP4. He was the owner of J.E. Stokes and Sons, a painting and wallpapering company established in 1920. Elmer attended Chesapeake Christian Fellowship in Davidsonville. Elmer was a successful breeder, trainer and judge of brace field trial beagles, serving as chairman of the Southern Maryland Beagle Club, and president of Patapsco Ridge Beagle Club. He spent his spare time working at the club, or spending time with his family and beloved grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Charlotte Sullivan, Mary Wilson and Carita Ann Stokes. Elmer is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna L. Stokes; three sons, George E. (Kim) Stokes Jr. of Lothian, Donald E. (Tina) Stokes Sr. of Edgewater, and David E. (Amy) Stokes of Annapolis; daughter, Dora Carita Greenwell of Freeland; brother, Robert E. Stokes Sr. of Edgewater; four sisters, Thelma Thomas of Havre de Grace, Edith Roane of Annapolis, Frances Bailey of Arnold and Pat Dennison of Shippensburg, PA; 11 grandchildren, Richard Osterfeld III, Michael Greenwell Jr., Donald Stokes Jr., Amy Shortridge and Lisa, Katie, Sarah, Kasey, Emily, Allison and Julie Stokes; and one great-granddaughter, Amelia Osterfeld. Friends are invited to Elmer's Life Celebration from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 28, and from 10 a.m. until his funeral service begins at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 1, at Chesapeake Christian Fellowship, 377 West Central Ave., Davidsonville. Interment Mayo United Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401. An online guestbook is available at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com.