Wilford Perry Whit Stokes, Sr.

Wilford Perry Whit Stokes, Sr., 85, passed away serenely in the presence of family on June 13, 2013. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 19, at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles. Graveside services will be held at Amiable Baptist Cemetery in Melder, Louisiana, at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 20. Rev. Calvin Cantrell will officiate.

Mr. Stokes is survived by four children, Dr. W. Perry Stokes, Jr. and wife, Dana, of New Iberia, Mrs. Diane Stewart and husband, Lawrence, of Houston, Texas, Dr. Lisa McBride and husband, R. Adam, of Lake Charles, and Mrs. Sally Goodger and husband, William, of Salt Lake City, Utah; one brother, Mr. John Dempsey Stokes of Alexandria, Louisiana; 13 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Sybil Miley Stokes; his parents, John Arthur and Mary Bond Stokes; 6 brothers, Elmer Stokes, Wilmer Stokes, Roy W. Stokes, Aswell Stokes, Beulis Stokes, and James M. Stokes; and 4 sisters, Ruby Stokes Hillman, Pearl Stokes Barton, Verta Stokes Paul, and Hazel Stokes Dyess.

A native of Calcasieu, Louisiana, Mr. Stokes earned a Bachelor's degree from Southwestern Louisiana Institute in 1948 and a Master's degree from Louisiana State University in 1954. Mr. Stokes served in the U. S. National Guard as a medic and the Allen Parish Office of Civil Defense as Chief of Radiological Defense Services during the 1950's. Mr. Stokes was a coach and Chemistry teacher early in his career with Allen Parish Schools and held several administrative positions, retiring as principal of Oakdale Elementary School in 1984.

Mr. Stokes was steadfast in his devotion to his many relatives and those of his late wife. A noted genealogist and historian, Mr. Stokes spent several decades chronicling and publishing the history of Central Louisiana and numerous associated families. Mr. Stokes was an avid golfer and outdoorsman and served First Baptist Church of Oakdale as a Sunday School teacher. He was active in Rotary International and The Free and Accepted Masons Yellow Pine Lodge. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2605 River Road, New Orleans, LA 70121