Well respected and deeply loved by all who knew him, Retired Colonel Eugene J. Stokes (Gene) passed away on February 18, 2021 in Sarasota, FL. He was born in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated with honors from West Point in 1952, and later graduated from Princeton University with a master’s degree in Engineering. His distinguished military career included tours of duty in Korea, Holland, Germany and Vietnam with the Army Corps of Engineers. Some of his honors include the Korea Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, Bronze Star, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and Legend of Merit.
After retirement from the Army, Gene enjoyed a second career as Deputy Director of Transportation for Sarasota County where he managed the design and construction of many miles of new roads for the expanding county. An avid tennis player and golfer, he was an active member of Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club, serving as President of the Board of Directors for many years.
He is pre-deceased by his wife, Kathe Stokes and brother Kenneth Stokes. He is survived by his three children, Susan Milford (John), Gene Matthew Stokes (Rebecca), Kenneth Stokes (Sandra), his sister Caroline Christoffersen, and six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and many loving friends and extended family.
What truly made Gene special was his love of family and it was evident to anyone who met him. Please join his family for a Celebration of Life at the Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club on Saturday April 3rd from 2pm – 4pm. . A committal service will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State RD 72, Sarasota, 34241 on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the National Museum of the United States Army at www.theNMUSA.org.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18