Frank Eugene Stokes

Frank Eugene Stokes, 61, of Bath, PA, died on Thanksgiving Day, November 22 at Integris Baptist Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Born: He was born October 31, 1951 in York, PA, the son of the late Ernest B. and Mary L. Anderson Stokes. Personal: Mr. Stokes and his wife, the former Kay L. Thomas, celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary June 23. Mr. Stokes is a 1969 honor graduate of William Penn Senior High School, York, where he played varsity basketball and baseball. In 1973, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering mechanics from the Pennsylvania State University, where he also played baseball. He received a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Akron University, Akron, Ohio. Mr. Stokes was employed for the past 23 years as a research engineer at Lehigh University's ATLSS Engineering Research Center, Bethlehem, PA. He managed the operations of both the ATLSS and Fritz Structural Testing Laboratories and also served as the manager of ATLSS's Industrial Testing Program. He was previously employed for 16 years as a research engineer at Babcock & Wilcox Research Center, Alliance, OH. Mr. Stokes became group supervisor in charge of the testing of nuclear fuel assemblies. Mr. Stokes coached various youth softball, baseball, and basketball teams in the Lehigh Valley and Ohio. He was the freshman and junior varsity boys' basketball coach for Bethlehem Catholic High School, as well as an assistant varsity coach. Golfing, biking, hiking and kayaking were his recreational pursuits. He was taught to golf as a teenager by his father and continued to play in leagues, and with his wife, sons, and friends. He was treasurer of the Bethlehem Bypass Golf League. Mr. Stokes rode his bike all over the Lehigh Valley, in York, and Philadelphia. He also biked on the rail trails in the Lehigh Valley and York with his wife. Mr. Stokes loved being a Grandpa. He kayaked and hiked with his eldest granddaughter, Kayla Stokes. He also supported Kayla in her twirling and dance competitions throughout the country. He enjoyed playing with his three infant granddaughters. Memberships: Mr. Stokes was a member of the Catholic Church, most recently at Notre Dame Church of Bethlehem, PA. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, working to raise money for the Knights' various charities. He was currently serving as Deputy Grand Knight of Trinity Council #313. He had previously been a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Bath, PA, where he served as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. He had been a member of Knights of Columbus Council #14464 at Sacred Heart. Survivors: In addition to his wife, Mr. Stokes is survived by a daughter, Erin Kay Schoepflin and her husband, Christopher of Bath; two sons, Jared Thomas Stokes and his wife, Ana Simona of Broomall, PA, and the Rev. Jason Frank Stokes of Pottsville, PA; four granddaughters, Kayla Stokes, Ella Schoepflin, Sara Stokes, and Ana Stokes; a brother, Robert Stokes of Altus, OK; four sisters, Carolyn Shoop and Virginia Chronister, both of York, Patricia Godfrey and her husband, Joseph of Florida, and Rosemary Stokes-Bolon of South Carolina; and 11 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Paulee Stokes; and two brothers-in-law, Burton Chronister and Philip Shoop. Services: Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, November 30 at Reichel Funeral Home, 326 E. 21st St., Northampton. The Rev. Jason F. Stokes will be principal celebrant for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 1, at Notre Dame Church, 1835 Catasauqua Road, Bethlehem. Interment will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, York. Memorials: may be made to Notre Dame Church or the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council #313 at the church.