Ralph Garcia Stokes Sr.

Ralph Garcia Stokes Sr. was born on March 21, 1966, in Gary Indiana to the late William Martin and Rose Mary Stokes. He confessed hope in Christ at an early age at Davis Memorial AME Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Ruben Jones. He continued his Christian discipleship as a member of the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Marion J. Johnson Jr. where he was ordained and served as a Deacon in December 2009 until 2020 before moving his membership to True Faith Church Ministries under the leadership of Apostle Anthony Goffin Sr. where he further served as a Deacon. Ralph was a graduate of Wirt High School class of 1984. He later retired after 30 years of dedicated service as a Detailing Supervisor for Southlake Nissan. Ralph was also a dedicated quartet singer where he sung with the Gales of Joy for many years. 

Ralph was united in holy matrimony to Antoinette Mitchell on July 11, 1999, at Davis Memorial AME Church by Pastor Jerry McNeely. To this union six children Tracey, Kevin, Kelley, LaNiecia, Ralph II, and adopted son Tone Stokes. God called his servant from labor to rest on Thursday morning February 5, 2026. 

He is preceded in death by his parents William Martin and Rose Mary Stokes, brother William Ronald Stokes and sister Janet Stokes. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife of 31 years Antoinette Stokes, six children, sons Kevin (Bianca) Stokes of Riverdale Georgia, Kelley (Tanisha) Stokes of Indianapolis Indiana, Minister Ralph G. Stokes II and Tone Stokes, daughters Traci Gildon, LaNiecia Smith all of Gary, In, sisters Johnnae Gullet-Diaz, Twan Stokes of Gary, In, Yvette Stokes, Marie Stokes of Milwaukee Wisconsin and brother Timothy Stokes of Gary, In, special god-daughter Abigal Stokes, nine grandchildren, Brandon Gildon, Kamryn Stokes, Iyanna Smith, Zamora Hawkins, Amarion Smith, Aumuris Smith, Marnee Turner, Ralph Stokes III, Mason Stokes. He also leaves to cherish his memories father and mother-in-law Deacon Willie and Bernice Watson, sisters-in-law Cathie Mitchell and Telease Hopson, brothers-in-law Harold Mitchell and Wendell Mitchell all of Gary, In, a special daughter in love Deandrea Raglin and a host of many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

All Services Saturday February 21,2026. Wake 9:30a.m. Funeral 11:00a.m. at True Faith Church Ministries 400 W. 25th Ave Gary, In 46407. Burial OakHill Gary,In. Professional Services Rendered by Powell Coleman Funeral Home.