David William Stokes

David William Stokes, 72, of Coden, Alabama, passed away on October 18, 2026, in Mobile, Alabama. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud papa, and a dear friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

David was a hardworking man who took great pride in everything he did. Throughout his life, he worked as a dedicated shrimper and boilermaker with Boilermakers Local 112. He believed in working hard and doing what needed to be done to take care of his family. Providing for the people he loved was something he took seriously, and he spent his life making sure his family was cared for. No matter how hard he had to work, his family was always at the heart of everything he did.

Those who knew David knew he was funny, stubborn, and laid back, with a personality all his own. He had a way of making people laugh and giving advice when it was needed. He was the kind of man who wanted the people he loved to do better, be better, and make something good of themselves. He always made sure everyone was taken care of, and he never hesitated to offer his advice or push them towards becoming the best versions of themselves.

To his grandchildren, he was so much more than a grandfather. He was their papa, someone they could turn to for advice, comfort, love, and even tough love. He had his own special way of making each of them feel loved, calling his granddaughters "pumpkin," his grandsons "son," and his great-grands "papa's babies." Those little names were part of who he was, and they are the kind of things his family will hold close to their hearts forever. The sound of his voice, his advice, his humor, and the way he looked after his family are memories that will never be replaced.

David loved the things that made life meaningful to him. Good food, cooking, music, singing, and spending time with family and friends. Hank Williams was among his favorite musicians, and music was one of the things he enjoyed the most. He also had a deep love for animals. He loved all of his animals, but Jake and Snuggles held a particularly special place in his heart. The love he had for them was just another reflection of the caring side of a man who loved deeply and held close the things that mattered to him.

David shared 54 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Lana Gail Stokes. Together they built a life and a family that will continue to carry his love and legacy forward. He is survived by his wife, Lana Gail; his daughter, Tina Nelson (Michael Nelson); his grandchildren, Shane Nelson, Tyler Nelson, Kimberly Nelson, and Michaela Nelson; and his great-grandchildren, Brantley, Braylon, and Calliope. He is also survived by his siblings Ricky and Karen, as well as extended family and dear friends, including his best friend Thomas Haslam.

David was preceded in death by his biological parents, Margaret and J.C.; adopted parents, Arkena Stokes and Carl Stokes; his brother, Clinton Stokes; his sisters, Diane and Lisa; his grandchildren, Hailey and Shawn; and his best friend, Joe Bennett.

David leaves behind a family who will forever be grateful for the life he lived, the hard work he put in, the advice he gave, and the love he showed in his own way. His family will miss the laughter, the stubbornness, the familiar names he called them, and the comfort of knowing he was always there. Though saying goodbye is never easy, the lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the love he gave will live on through his family's generations. He was a hardworking man, a devoted husband, and a papa whose love showed in the way he cared for his family. He will forever be loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

A Graveside Service/Committal will be held at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, St. Michael Street, Coden, AL 36523, on October 23, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.