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Earl K. Stokes

About

Columbia University Stetson University

FUNERAL HOME

Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory

328 South Ingraham Avenue

Lakeland, Florida

Earl Stokes Obituary

EARL K.
STOKES, 85
Coach, Principal,
Administrator

LAKELAND - Earl K. Stokes, beloved husband and father, passed from this earth to be with his Savior on Nov. 8, 2010 due to congestive heart failure.
He was born in Fort Meade, FL., on Nov. 22, 1924 to Mary Myers Stokes and Benjamin D. Stokes. He was predeceased by two brothers: Marion Stokes and Maurice Stokes; and an infant sister, Dorothy Lois Stokes.
He was a corpsman with the United States Navy during World War II. It was while in the Navy that Earl met his sweetheart for life, Elaine. They were married on July 6, 1945. He and Elaine shared 65 years of marriage together, and traveled the great United States together on many trips. Their union produced two daughters: Lois S. McDermott and Arvilla Stokes Lemanski, both of whom he loved most dearly and brought him pride. He not only provided his children with love, but with a great work ethic, pride in work accomplished well, and a strong sense of right and wrong.
He is survived by his wife; 2 daughters; his son-in-law James F. Lemanski; 3 grandchildren: William Greer, Jr., Erin McDermott and Patrick McDermott; as well as 2 great grandchildren: Dylan and Allyson Greer.
Earl touched many young people's lives. After graduation from Stetson University to receive his B.A. degree, he graduated from Columbia University with a masters degree in Education. He returned to Florida and dedicated his professional life to the education of young people through the Polk County School System. He was known to many as "Coach," to others as their school principal and, prior to his retirement, he was the administrator of adult education. He loved to travel, play a good game of golf, garden and share a good joke. He was a man of great morals and values who made and left a great impression on so many people.
A viewing will be held starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010 at Resurrection Catholic Church followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. at the church. Interment at Lakeland Memorial Gardens. Heath Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Ledger on Nov. 11, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Earl Stokes

15 Entries

Mike "Buster" Parrish

December 20, 2010

To the Earl Stokes Family,

I only found out today the passing of your beloved family member. Coach Stokes was one of the few teacher members I remember from as far back as elementary school. I remember him to be a fair and wise teacher. I do not remember the last time he and I met but I can tell you he would always speak and remember I was "Grady's Son". I am sure he was a great inspiration to many people throughout his life time with actions that will continue to influence local generations.

December 1, 2010

I just found out that Mr. Stokes passed away. He was my principal in the 70's at Seth McKeel. He also came into Britts Cafe where I work after many years I was surprised to see him. He was such a sweet and caring man. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Lawrence Brown

November 14, 2010

To the Earl Stokes Family:

My condolences to your family in the passing of such a fine man and dedicated public servant. It was my pleasure to serve with Mr. Stokes, Principal at Seth McKeel Jr. High in the early 70's. He was an inspiration to me and an encourager as I taught Band there for five years. My prayers are with you.

Jack Hardy

November 12, 2010

"Well done, good and faithful servant". No doubt this is what the King spoke to Earl upon his arrival in heaven. A servant and steward of the children of Polk County, always demanding their best, always a pat on the back for a job well done. I thank the Lord for my interactions with "Mister" Stokes. Integrity has a namesake, and that is Earl Stokes. Lord, welcome home another member of the greatest generation. Amen.

Leigh Hardy Ille

November 12, 2010

My prayers and condolences to the Stokes family. Mr. Stokes was my principal when I was a student at Lakeland Junior High School. He was loved by the students, and he was one of the people that strongly influenced my decision to teach. My years at LJHS are some of my fondest memories.

John Teate

November 12, 2010

My sincere condolences to the Stokes family on the passing of Mr. Stokes. My father “Coach” Bill Teate was a teacher at Lakeland Jr. High and worked for Mr. Stokes. He thought so much of Earl as did the rest of our family. What I remember most was his warm personality and great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

November 12, 2010

A gifted educator, devoted husband and father.
A good and loyal friend who made our days bright with his humor and laughter.

You will be greatly missed.

Oscar Pope Friends

Joann Bergmann

November 12, 2010

I will miss ny dear neighbor Mr. Stokes.I thought of him as my 2nd dad. I remember climbing his trees, long talks, and always seeing him working in his yard. He will be truly missed.

Crystal Hilla

November 11, 2010

He was always the best to my kids at church on Sundays. He will be missed and my prayers to his family.

Mike Boyd

November 11, 2010

I worked with Earl as an Assistant Principal at Seth McKeel Jr. High for seven years. He was a man who truly loved his family, students,friends, and God. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was, in many ways, a true character. I am sorry that I cannot attend his services as I am presently out of state.

Valerie Lemanski Holley

November 11, 2010

First, I knew him as "Coach Stokes" in Jr. High School and years later knew him as family when my brother Jim married Arvilla. He was a lovely, gracious man and I was honored to know him.

Lee Ann Sketoe

November 11, 2010

A wonderful man who I had the pleasure to know and work with in the Adult Ed. Program. May God bless the family during this time.

Dave DuVall

November 11, 2010

Our prayers are with the family. Coach Earl really cared about his students and he will be missed.

Bill Hage

November 11, 2010

If anyone was a mentor to me it was Mr. Stokes. As a young educator I had the honor of working as a teacher under the direction and guidance of Mr. Stokes. He would often give me encouragement and tips about the school system and the classroom. Forty years have gone by since then, but the advice he shared still remains. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Anne Adams

November 11, 2010

A man who was one of the best principals at North Lakeland Elementary, in a time when principals had untethered power, and knew exactly which resources to summon to help children the most. He was a true professional who set the bar for others to live up to.

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