Bobby Stokes

The sun rose on loving husband and father, Bobby Ray Stokes, August 7, 1957 in Kansas City, MO. The sun set on Sunday April 19,2020. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lou Pettit, Father, Esau Cooper, brother Rochelle Stokes and Billie Rose Brown.

Bobby attended Central High School where he answered the call of duty and joined the armed forces to serve his country. He served in the Army for 2 years and then joined the Army National Guard where he served 3 years. During that time he met the love of his life, Willetta Smith. Known as a songbird in the Midwest, Willetta captured his heart with her beauty, euphonious voice, and endearing love for him. She accepted his hand in marriage and they spent over 4 decades together and raised 3 beautiful daughters.

Bobby, a man of great ambition, attended Kansas City Business College, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  He went on to pursue many career endeavors. He was a supervisor at GSA and in the middle of his career, he landed a position at AT&T. His time at AT&T was cut short as his health started to decline.

Before he moved to Corporate America, he was a store manager at Winchell's Donuts. Although he moved up and put his business degree to good use, he never forgot his foundation at Winchell’s. He enjoyed his work there and had hopes of one day opening his very own donut shop. Managing came easy for him. He was a math whiz and there was not a problem that he couldn't solve.  He was well organized and was a great motivator who often spoke positive affirmations to others and never stopped believing in his own dreams.

He was a fun-loving man who loved to enjoy his life. He was a prominent domino player, who could give even those who thought they were the best a run for their money. He perfected his game and his competitors knew it. He was also an avid bowler who loved to show off his skills.

Though he had many obstacles in life, he was always up for the challenge. Even when faced with paralysis, he searched until he found ways to be mobile. He’d lost the use of his legs. But he couldn’t be stopped. It was not long after his accident that you could find him driving his car up the street, using hand controls. He was relentless in the way he pursued life. He loved his wife, his children and friends, but above all else, he loved the Lord with all of his heart. He is now resting in his heavenly home.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 43 years, Willetta Stokes, 3 daughters; Padgit, Tramaine, and Rachel, 11 grandchildren; Cherelle, Felecia, Terrence, Tanisha, Errol, Chester, Jackie, Parris, India, Davon, Kevia and 6 great-grandchildren; his mother Minnie Cooper, Sisters: Barbara, Betty, Elizabeth, Eleanor, Rachel, Jennifer, Adrienne, Janice, and Terry Lynn; Brothers, Steve, Clarence, Lou Allen, Anthony, Reggie, Matthew and Michael; Rodney Brown and a host relatives and friends.