Donald James Stokes, Jr

Donald James Stokes, Jr., 82, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2013. He was born to Donald James, Sr. and Dora Juanita Smith Stokes on July 28, 1930 in Ogden, Utah. Don was raised in Vallejo, CA where he loved to watch the ships coming in and out of the harbor during WWII. He also loved being part of the Boy Scouts of America and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Vallejo High School where he lettered in football. His family returned to Utah and he was a proud graduate of Ogden High School. While he was in high school he enlisted in the National Guard and attended Food Service School at Presidio San Francisco, where he learned to be a cook. Don received many awards and honors there for his culinary talents. At the time of his retirement he was serving as Master Sergeant as Service Supervisor where he oversaw military food management for the 9-state region. He loved his country and served her well.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and held many callings. He especially enjoyed his callings in the Boy Scouts of America.

Don married Mary Rhea Gray on December 13, 1949 in Vallejo, CA. They divorced in April of 1967. He married Maxine Mildred Bucy on July 19, 1973 in Yakima, WA. Their married was later solemnized on August 26, 1995 in the Ogden LDS Temple. Maxine passed away on April 28, 2010.

For many years he was a surveyor for Ogden City, overseeing several projects in the area, including, Pineview Reservoir, Willard Bay, Ogden Canyon, the I-15 Freeway, Harrison Monroe and Washington Boulevard and many other local landmarks.

He loved gardening, fishing, and taking care of his sweet wife "Shorty". Together they enjoyed many Christmas seasons serving the community as the perfect Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and for providing candy and snacks to dozens of kids during church, as well as many a store clerk, bank teller and even a doctor or two over the years.

Don is survived by his Sister, Darlene Stokes, Ogden, his children, Monte (Shelleice) Stokes, Ogden; Donna (Gary) Wagstaff, Roy; Danny (Kathy) Stokes, North Ogden; Chris (Richard) Kap, Ogden; Margo (Bruce) Loftus, Plain City; and Lisa (Mark) Thompson, Riverview, FL; 31 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, grandson, Bryan Loftus; parents, and sister, Dorothy Tatum.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 10, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist''s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 N. Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.

Interment, Ogden City Cemetery.