Dwayne Stokes

From his earliest age, Dwayne Stokes had a zest for life and a love for the great outdoors. One always had to tread a bit carefully around Dwayne as he was also quite a prankster - his friends and family never knowing what goofy antic he may have in store at any given moment. From stealing his sister’s campfire to late night watermelon smuggling, one never knew what was going to happen next. Dwayne was a loving father, had a strong work ethic, rarely missed a day of work, and he was multi-talented in all of the building trades. Although his days numbered less than he would have liked, his impact on those around him was no less significant.

The 1960s were a decade in our nation’s history like no other. We were sending our troops in large numbers to fight in Vietnam . Our nation experienced the assassination of President John F.Kennedy, the music of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, and Ned Jarrett drove away with the NASCAR championship in 1961. Also during this time, Eddie and Margetta (Hancock) Stokes, of Wynne, Arkansas, were thrilled to announce the birth of their son, Dwayne, on June 6, 1961. Raised as one of three children in the Stokes family, Dwayne, like so many other young boys, enjoyed playing rough as a child, especially in baseball.

In 1966, Dwayne’s family moved from Wynne, located in eastern Arkansas, to Fitzgerald Acres in Vicksburg, Michigan, where he would live for the majority of his life. From an early age, Dwayne enjoyed being outdoors, even preferring to walk to school rather than ride the bus. His childhood also included outdoor activities such as riding his bike with his friends through the nursery, baseball, playing kick the can, banana man and dracula. His grandmother taught him how to fish, an interest which would shadow Dwayne throughout his entire lifetime. He attended Sunset Elementary in Vicksburg and graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1980.

After graduating from high school, Dwayne attended truck driving school and then drove a truck for a couple of years. With his deep love for the outdoors, this job was a great fit for Dwayne, and he especially loved when his job took him driving through the mountains. Of great significance during this time was his introduction to a co-worker named Debra Argardie. Dwayne and Debra dated for a time and later married. They were blessed with the births of three children: Shane, Caynon, and Jessie. Dwayne loved being a father to his three boys. Their family lived for a time in the home they built in Burr Oak, located in southwestern St. Joseph County.

After driving a truck for a time, Dwayne traveled down a different career path. He was an excellent carpenter and electrician whose jobs were always within in the building industry. All of these skills were learned from his father. Much of his work was in the modular home factories located in Indiana. His most recent employer was Pace Trailer Manufacturing and as an employee, Dwayne was dedicated to his work, worked hard, and never missed a day.

There were many things that Dwayne enjoyed when he had leisure time. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved not only to fish, but also to hunt with both a bow and a gun. Camping was another one of Dwayne’s favorite activities, not surprising since his favorite place to be was surrounded by the openness of the great outdoors, even as a young boy. Dwayne was raised in the Baptist faith, and he did missionary work in Haiti during the late 1990s. He enjoyed following the NASCAR circuit, especially his favorite driver, the legendary Mark Martin. Besides NASCAR, Dwayne enjoyed riding almost anything with a motor. From his motorcycle, to snowmobiling to boating Dwayne did it all. When he took time away from motor sports, he would enjoy the simpler and sometimes frustrating pleasures of a round of golf.

Dwayne was no stranger to difficulties as he began developing multiple health problems about five years ago. He battled against cancer and dealt with both heart problems and kidney failure as well. When Dwayne’s health issues no longer allowed him to work, His parents gradually stepped in to help with care. They continually tended to his medical needs and took him to dialysis three times a week over the past four-and-a-half years. Dwayne was a man of great strength and determination, however, and even as his health declined, he tried to remain active and persevered to the very end. Sadly, his fight eventually became too much.

Dwayne Stokes had a colorful palette of interests, many of which revolved around being outdoors and his sons. He lived an active lifestyle as long as he was able. Six weeks prior to finally having to enter the hospital for the last time, Dwayne’s son Caynon was able to help care for him. Dwayne loved making others laugh with his unique pranks and goofy antics, yet he had a compassionate heart as well. He was a dedicated father and employee who worked hard, but he liked to play hard too. Dwayne leaves priceless memories behind which will be forever treasured by all those he leaves behind. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Dwayne Stokes of Vicksburg died July 4, 2009 after a long illness. Members of Dwayne’s family include his children, Shane, Caynon and Jessie Stokes all of Burr Oak; parents, Eddie and Margetta Stokes of Vicksburg; brother Allen (Kathya) Stokes of Champaign, IL; a sister Margie (Daniel) Richards of Constantine; nieces Angel Richards, Stephanie Stokes, Chanelle Stokes and great-niece Cecelia Richards. Visit with Dwayne’s family and friends Wednesday from 4-7p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Homes Vicksburg, 409 S. Main St. (649-1697) where services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photograph or make a memorial donation to the National Kidney Foundation.