Lawrence A Stokes, Sr.

Lawrence A. Stokes, Sr, age 80, formerly of Monmouth, passed away on June 5, 2009, at his residence in Kewanee, Illinois. He was born on July 24, 1928 in Little York, Illinois, the son of Walter Douglas and Beulah Scull Stokes. Lawrence was reared and educated in the Little York area. He first married Patricia Gordon in Geneseo, Illinois in 1951. He later married Judy Bibee in Aledo, Illinois in 1973. Lawrence served his county in the United States Army during peace time. Lawrence was a self employed carpenter, having received awards as a siding applicator for Bird Siding Company, and operating "Lawrence Stokes Home Improvements". For a time he operated Stokes CB Sales and Service and also owned and operated Judy's Cafe both businesses on South Main Street in Monmouth, Illinois. Lawrence was an active member of the Kewanee Senior Citizens, and formerly a member of the Monmouth Eagles Aerie. He enjoyed going fishing and traveling and often wintered in Texas. Surviving Lawrence are three sons; Willard "Bill" R. Stokes Bonnie Sexton of Mooreland, Indiana, Ike L. Engle of Aledo, Illinois, and Kirk J. Engle of San Diego, California. Two daughters, Bonnie White and Rich Walton of West Frankfort, IL and Shari Wheeler of Dallas, Texas. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. One sister, Helen Haynes of Milan, Illinois, and one brother, Jake Stokes and Ruth Ann of New Boston, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Lawrence Jr., and six brothers, and two sisters. Services:A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth. Interment with military honors will be in Monmouth Cemetery. Lawrence's family will be present from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening at Turnbulls in Monmouth to receive friends. A memorial fund has been established for the Kewanee Senior Citizens Center in Kewanee.