Edwin "Ed" Vokes

Major Edwin "Ed" Vokes, USAF Retired, passed away peacefully, with wife, Rita, by his side, in Wichita Falls, Texas, on October 2, 2025.

Rosary vigil will be held from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. with visitation to follow from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28th at Lunn's Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 29th at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP) Catholic Church. Inurnment will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery following Mass.

Ed was born to Alex and Eleanor Vokes on November 10, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, the oldest of three sons. He graduated from Michigan State University and accepted a commission in the United States Air Force as a 2nd lieutenant and attended navigation school. As a navigator in the B66 Bomber, KC-97 and KC-135 refueling aircrafts, he was assigned at Johnson AFB, Yokota, Japan; Castle AFB, California; Biggs AFB, Texas; and Dyess AFB, Texas. He also served temporarily (TDY) in the Azores, Portugal and Okinawa, Japan. His final assignment was Grand Forks, North Dakota, retiring after 20 years active duty in 1976.

Upon retirement, he worked in the insurance industry until he found his niche as car salesman for Saab in Wiesbaden, Germany, San Antonio and Wichita Falls, Texas, winning awards for being "Top Salesman."

He was an avid golfer, making five "Holes in One" and helping with golf tournaments at Sheppard AFB. He enjoyed watching any game live and/or on television, but especially the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers.

He is predeceased by his parents, Alex and Eleanor Vokes; his first wife, Dolores Gorka Vokes; and youngest brother, Richard "Dick" Vokes.

He will be profoundly missed by his devoted wife of 54 years, Rita; his three children, Mark, spouse, Diane; Michael "Mike;" and daughter, Marie Gum, spouse, Gary; brother, Robert "Bob," wife, Audrey; sister-in-law, Penny. Grandchildren, Ren & husband, Tim Phillips; Alex & wife, Achaia Vokes. Great grandchildren, Freya Dolores and Ziggy Sebastian Phillips; Nova Leigh Vokes; and five nieces and their spouses and children.

The family is sincerely grateful for the superb care Ed received at United Regional Healthcare System, Hospice of Wichita Falls, Encompass and Gables Rehab Centers, as well as Healing Hands, Visiting Angels, and the Alzheimer's Support Group. Accolades also must be given to the members of OLQP Church, the Altar Society, Catholic Daughters, and the Men's Group for their endless prayers and support.

Memorial contributions may be made to OLQP Religious Education Building Fund, Hospice of Wichita Falls, and the Alzheimer's Association.