QUENTIN CASH STOKES

STOKES, QUENTIN CASH Quentin Cash Stokes, Colonel, USAF/Retired, passed away July 5, 2011 at the age of 90. He was born on August 20, 1920 in Bothwell, Utah to LaVon and Nannah Cash Stokes. In October 1942, his military service in World War II began on a B-17 crew in the Army Air Force; he flew 35 combat missions with the 305th Bomb Group out of England. After WWII, Quentin graduated from the University of California at Berkeley where he met and married Helen Marie Youngberg. In 1951, Quentin was recalled to active duty in the United States Air Force serving his country for 30 years on B-17s, B-24s, B-29s, and B-47s as a navigator and/or air observer. Quentin and his family were stationed in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, Nebraska, Japan, Okinawa, Arizona and Virginia with the Strategic Air Command's U-2, SR-71, and unmanned reconnaissance programs. His military awards include: Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Settling in Chula Vista after retirement in 1973, Quentin became involved in the city's volunteer program receiving the Civic Recognition Award. He was active at KPBS and in two military organizations - the San Diego Chapter of Military Order of the World Wars (past Commander) and the Sweetwater Chapter of Retired Officers Association/ Military Officers Association of America (past President). Quentin is predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Helen Marie Stokes. Survivors include his daughters Alexis Stokes Flach (Marc) and Shauna Stokes (Joel Chew); grandchildren Ross and Brianna Flach; nieces Karla Olson (Rich) and Brenna Stauffer (Dan); great-nieces and nephews Morgan, Justin, Austin and Catherine; siblings Bernice Roueche (Alton), Edward Stokes (Shirley), LaVon Stokes (Nadine), Frank Stokes, Roger Stokes (Trudy Kelly) and their families. Per his wishes, no service will be held. Quentin's ashes will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the USO, the Wounded Warrior Project, KPBS or the Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund.