Richard Stokes

Richard Lee Stokes "Doc", 78, of Middle Point, passed away at 6:36 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at Paulding Hospital. He was born on March 27, 1944, in Lima, son of the late Norman J. and Anna Alma (Wurst) Stokes. On February 08, 1964, he married the love of his life, Sue Etzler. Together, they shared over 58 years of memories.

Doc served in the United States Navy and was a Middle Point Volunteer Fireman and EMT. He was a lifetime member of the AmVets Post 698. Doc worked as truck driver, a bodyman, a master butcher and was a true Jack-of-All-Trades.

An avid fisherman and hunter, Doc was famous for his BBQ chicken, sausage & gravy and his butterscotch cookie dough, which never seemed to make it to the oven. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Surviving are his wife, Sue Stokes of Middle Point; son, Shane (Krys) Stokes of Van Wert; daughters: Julie (Matthew) Johns of Elida; Janine (Darrin) Sevitz of Middle Point; extended children: Grady (Megan) Dias of White Pigeon, MI; Marla (Pat) Taylor of Middle Point; grandchildren: Levi (Autumn) Brincefield; Shana (Ian Poe) Brincefield; Ryan Sevitz; Taylor & Marissa Sheeter; Ella & Emma Klausing; Jessi (Nathan) Friday; Ethan Dias; Mason Dias; great grandchildren: Tobias, Quill, Brooklynn, Abby, Shane and one on the way; sister-in-law, Vera Stokes of South Carolina; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Doc was preceded in death by his brothers: Jim, Barry and David Stokes; sister, Mary Ann Schnipke; brother-in-law, Tom Schnipke; and grandson, Alex Dias.

Memorial services will be held at 3 PM on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, 722 S. Washington St. Van Wert, OH 45891 with Rev. Stuart Wyatt, officiating. Family and friends will be received prior to the service from 1 to 3 PM.

For those who prefer, memorial contributions in Richard`s memory may be sent to AmVets or Middle Point Fire Dept.

To share in Richard's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart@gmail.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S Washington Street, Van Wert, OH 45891.