Curtis Benard Stokes

Curtis Benard Stokes, 82, of Monroe, passed away Friday, August 22, 2014, at Lynchburg Health and Rehabilitation. He was the husband of Barbara Wilmer McAlexander Stokes for 30 years. Born April 17, 1932, in Neshoba, MS, he was the son of the late Curtis David Stokes and the late Ruth Gulley Stokes.

Curtis graduated from Oak Ridge High School in Tennessee in June 1949. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea in the 194th Engineering Combat Battalion of the Tennessee National Guard. Curtis then worked at Oak Ridge National Lab as an engineering technician for over 20 years. He resided in Oak Ridge, TN from 1953-1955 and resided in Kingston, TN from 1955-1973 and was founding president of the Optimist Club of Kingston, TN. In his middle years, he was an avid bowler. Curtis joined Babcock & Wilcox Research Center, May 1973 as Senior Engineer Technician. He retired from there on January 1994 after 20 years of service. Curtis was also a member of Madison Heights Baptist Church and the Lynchburg Elks Lodge #321.

In addition to his parents and first wife of 29 years, Kathleen Gilbert Stokes, Curtis was preceded in death by two children, Patrice Diane Stokes Martin and Curtis Michael Stokes; and one sister, Mary Stokes Cline.

In addition to his wife, Curtis is survived by one brother, John S. Stokes and his wife Madelyn of Knoxville, TN; numerous nieces and nephews; and caregivers, Irene White and Rillie Bryant.

A funeral service will be conducted, 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 25, 2014, at Madison Heights Baptist Church with the Rev. Todd Blake officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends, 2-4 p.m., Sunday, August 24, 2014, at Whitten Monelison Chapel and at other times at the residence.

Memorial contributions may be made to Madison Heights Baptist Church or the Monelison Rescue Squad.