Lonnie C. Stokes (Plainview)

Lonnie C. Stokes, 87, of Hale Center, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 in Plainview. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at First Baptist Church of Hale Center with Rev. Kris Knippa officiating and Dr. Carrol Green and Rev. J.D. Templeton assisting. Burial will follow in Hale Center Cemetery under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview. A family visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2014 at the funeral home. Lonnie was born on October 15, 1926 to George & Dellie Stokes in Crosbyton, TX. Lonnie served in the U.S. Navy during WWII serving in the Pacific Theatre on ship LCT 1092. After his military discharge he married the love of his life, Billie Jean Hargrove on May 3, 1947. They shared 67 wonderful years together. In 1955 they moved from Crosbyton to Cotton Center where he was a lifelong farmer. He loved trying new crops and using new technology. He was always a progressive thinker on his farm. He served on the Board of Directors for Cotton Center Coop Gin, Hale County Tax Appraisal Board and Hale County Farm & Ranch Museum. He was named Honor Chapter Farmer of Cotton Center. Lonnie was a Baptist in faith and served as a deacon. Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Bobby Stokes & George David Stokes. He is survived by his wife, Jean Stokes of Hale Center; one daughter, Jeannie Stephens & husband Billy of Petersburg, one son, Joe Stokes & wife Janis of Cotton Center; grandchildren, Kalyn Blount, Marcy Kurklin & husband Kent, Benjamin Stokes & Bradley Stokes; great grandchildren, Jordan Hubbard, Logan & Kole Kurklin and Tucker Hendrix, and one great great granddaughter, Jessica. Family suggests memorials to be made to Texas South Plains Honor Flight, Hale County Farm & Ranch Museum or First Baptist Church of Hale Center. Online condolences can be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com