Eugene Havas Stokes

Eugene H Stokes of Sherwood passed from this life on March 25, 2024 at the age of 87. Born in Grace, Mississippi to humble surroundings on September 11, 1936, he was the third child of seven children to parents Sisson S and Maedell Ford Stokes. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings: Charles S Stokes, Dale B Stokes, Howard E Stokes, Harry T Stokes, Shirley Stokes and Sylvia Hill.

Gene is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carol, sons Dale, Mark, and daughter Kathy Stokes, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He graduated from Rolling Fork HS where he held the High Jump State record for many years. He was a Christian and baptized in a small country church when he was 11. He went on to attend community college and serve in the US Navy Reserves. After 30 years with Superior Forwarding he retired and was able to pursue other interests including Stokes Aqua Salvage, Gene’s Wildlife and Sports Video, Arkansas Game and Fish Field researcher and Sherwood Wildlife Control Officer where he gained a reputation for trapping beaver. He and his fellow scuba diving partners were instrumental in the legalization of spear fishing in Arkansas.

Hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles, driving fast cars, playing cards, strumming the guitar and playing the harmonica were among the many things he enjoyed. Gene cut a striking profile and enjoyed being called Glen by some who thought he resembled Glen Campbell. He loved to tell jokes and kid around with friends and family. One of his signature lines was to ask someone doing a chore if there was anything he could say to help!