Thomas M. Stokes Jr., 76

January 19, 2009

-JAN. 17, 2009

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. - Retired Col. Thomas M. Stokes, U.S. Marine Corps, 76, of Charles Town, died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, at Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Charles Town.

He was the son of the late Vice Adm. Thomas Stokes Sr. and Ruth Leslie Stokes.

He graduated from St. Andrews Academy in Middletown, Del., and graduated in 1954 from University of North Carolina with a bachelor of arts degree in English.

He retired in 1984 from the U.S. Marine Corps after taking part in several combat actions during his career. He was cited for bravery and awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star with combat, along with numerous other medals and awards, including the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, Presidential Unit Citation and Navy Marine Parachutist Badge.

He was chairman of Jefferson County United Way Campaign and was president for two years, was a member of Morning Kiwanis, Cooking Club, 40&8 and Sons of the Confederacy.

He is survived by his wife, Julia Gay Glover Stokes, whom he married in 1954; four children, Leslie Waller of Sneads Ferry, N.C., Thomas M. Stokes III of Frederick, Md., Chris Stokes of Charles Town and Miles Stokes of Ellicott City, Md.; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Susanne Echols.

Memorial services will be Saturday, Jan. 24, at 1 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, Middleway, W.Va. The Rev. John Alfriend will officiate. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heritage Foundation at membership@heritage.org.

Arrangements are by Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home, Charles Town.

E-mail condolences to info@mtstrider.com.

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