William Glenn Stokes

1921 - 2012

William Glenn Stokes

William Glenn Stokes of Austin, TX, died Sunday, September 16, 2012 at his home.

He was born December 26, 1921 to Glenn and Lurline Stokes on a cotton farm in Cryer Creek, TX. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Hendon Stokes, after 62 years of marriage, and his granddaughter, Stacey Lynne Stokes.

He is also survived by his second wife, Dorothy Bennett Ganze Stokes, a childhood friend whom he married in 2007. She brought him much joy and love in this last chapter of his life. He is also survived by his children: son, William Glenn Stokes III and his wife Brenda of Austin, and daughter, Lynne and her husband Dan Moulton of Addison, TX. He is also survived by grandchildren, Darcie and her husband Marc Scheinrock, Laurel and Claire Moulton, and great-granddaughters, Maya and Paige Scheinrock.

Bill was a member of the greatest generation. He served in Europe in World War II in the Army's 59th Infantry. He learned of the birth of his son Bill by reading it in the Stars and Stripes a few weeks before returning to the states. After the war, he attended college on the GI Bill, receiving his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in mathematics from Sam Houston State.

He and Beth returned home to Corsicana, where he taught math and physics at Navarro College, was pressed into service as the college baseball coach in mid-season, and coached the team to a championship. After a few years, he returned to school and earned a Ph.D. from Peabody College, now a part of Vanderbilt University. In 1960, he took a position as Professor and Chair of the Mathematics Department at Austin Peay State University, where he served until his retirement in 1985. In August 2012, he was honored at the groundbreaking of a new Mathematics Building at Austin Peay, where a classroom in the new building will bear his name.

Upon retirement, Beth and Bill moved to Austin, TX. He was a charter member of the Shady Hollow Kiwanis Club, and spent many weekends making pancakes and selling snow cones for the club. He was a longtime member of Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church. He loved to travel, play bridge, watch sports, and read the newspaper. He loved every dog he ever met, and they loved him. During his life, he was a talented baseball player, a great grower of tomatoes, a politically savvy department chairman, and a true believer in the importance of education.

The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday, September 20, 2012 in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 10 a.m., with The Rev. Larry Coulter officiating. Graveside Services will be at 4 p.m. that afternoon, at Richland Cemetery in Richland, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Hendon Stokes Scholarship Fund, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN 37040; or to the William and Elizabeth Stokes Scholarship Fund of the Navarro College Foundation, Corsicana, TX 75110.

Condolences may be made at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com.

Arrangements under the care of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749; (512) 892-1172.