Samuel Scott Stokes

Samuel Scott Stokes born 11/07/1960 in Shreveport, LA to Sally Ann Cutsinger and Samuel Luther Stokes. He grew up in Muskogee, OK.

Sam was a loving son, brother, husband, father and papa.

Sam was born the youngest of three children. He is survived by his mother Sally Ann Cutsinger Stokes Weiesnbach (Garry Weiesnbach) Muskogee, OK. Sisters Sharee Stokes Wells (Burton Wells deceased) Merida Mexico/Tulsa, OK, and Susun Stokes Wilkinson (Lester Wilkinson) Merida, Mexico.

He joined the Army on 06/30/1982 and was stationed in Germany where he made some lifelong friends. He later transferred to the MEPS station in Seattle, WA where he met and married his wife of 38 years Melinda Darline Hansen Stokes.

He had three children whom he loved so much.

Ashlea Nicole Stokes (boyfriend Bradley Reitz) and grandpuppy Fiona.

Michael Scott Stokes (wife Thao Ly Stokes) and grandchildren by love and blood: Jermaine Ly, Jeremy Ly, Journy Stokes, Jillian Stokes, and Liane Perfect-Stokes.

Matthew Alexander Stokes (wife Eve Cooke Stokes) and granddaughter Olive Ryan Stokes.

Sam was an entrepreneur, starting his own company titled The Ships Computer in the early 90’s and running it for over 35 years in the Marine Industry. He worked aboard yachts, fishing vessels, and boats of all sizes. Over the years, the industry shifted and he changed the company’s name to SatComNet. In this time, he taught his two sons his profession as they worked alongside him during various jobs throughout the years. His line of work allowed him to travel the world doing what he loved. They not only worked up and down the Pacific Northwest coast, but he also worked in countries such as Mexico, Turkey, and China.

In addition to his job, Sam spent many years coaching baseball for North Central Little League. It is here that he truly shone bright as a leader and mentor for his kids and countless other children he had the privilege of coaching. Sam made the commitment to follow his children into other sports and became the coach for the Lower Woodland Soccer club, and Greenlake Recreation Basketball team. He continued to coach for many years, leading his teams to success such as continuous league championships in basketball leagues, wooden bat tournament championships, and even winning the entire district 8 league championships multiple years running, and taking the team to the state playoffs.

We’d go out to eat many years later and kids he coached that are all grown up would come up to say, “Hey coach!” As would their parents, thanking him for the impact he had on their kids' lives.

Sam loved all things sports, especially the Seattle Mariners. He made a lot of friends going to the Mariners FanFest for many years. He made it a point to be first in line for the event every year -- waking his children and eventually, once they were old enough, his grandchildren at 3am just to get there first. In addition he loved watching the Seattle Seahawks and all his Oklahoma football teams. Boomer Sooner!

Sam had many friends that he kept over his lifetime, many of which were lifelong friends since childhood in Muskogee. Sam loved to participate in his school plays and never missed an opportunity to be his sarcastic self.

Sam followed a daily routine for many years to have breakfast at his favorite restaurant, Voula’s Offshore Cafe. He sat at his regular table and came home with many stories and laughs, thanks to Voula (mom), Sikey, Nikos, Paul and all the current and past waitresses who always took such great care of him.

Sam battled for many years to determine the cause of all his health issues, only to be diagnosed with ALS before he could truly fight back and have a real shot at understanding what life would look like with this disease.

In his final days Sam made an admirable decision to play his final inning bravely. In doing so, he took the weight off his family's shoulders. With true grit and determination, Sam went out on his terms.

He left a lasting impact on all those who had the privilege to call him family, a friend, a brother in arms, a protector, a provider, a leader, and a mentor.

Sam, you will never be forgotten and your legacy lives on within us all.