Royal C. Stokes

Royal C. Stokes, 84, of Jonesboro, passed from this life to his Heavenly reward on Sunday, February 25, 2024.  He was a lifetime resident of Jonesboro, and was born in June 2, 1939, to Fred and Julie Stokes.  Royal was a member of the Herman Baptist Church.  He served in country in the US Navy d

Royal C. Stokes, 84, of Jonesboro, passed from this life to his Heavenly reward on Sunday, February 25, 2024.  He was a lifetime resident of Jonesboro, and was born on June 2, 1939, to Fred and Julie Stokes.  Royal was a member of the Herman Baptist Church.  He served in country in the US Navy aboard the USS Topeka, during the Vietnam War as a Damage Control Specialist.  Helping his dad lay hardwood floors got his interest in woodworking started, even though he disliked the hardwood flooring trade.  Restoring old cars was a hobby he really enjoyed.  Starting life as a truck driver, he changed careers and became a welder for Hytrol Conveyor, and retired after 23 years.  After retirement he worked at the Northeast Arkansas District Fair. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one infant child, Kimberly Michelle Stokes; and one sister, Fannie Marie Phillips.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Maxine Stokes of the home; son, Todd Stokes and wife Robin of Cawker City, Kansas; daughter, Pamela Wagner and husband Nathanael of Paragould; sister, Carolyn Reece and husband Jerry of Jonesboro; nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Friday, March 1, 2024, at Herman Baptist Church with Keith Livesay officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  Burial will follow at Herman Cemetery with Keith Roberts, Craig Roberts, Curtis Roberts, Rick Roberts, Herbert Roth,    Darren Stokes. Visitation will be Thursday night from 5:00 until 7 at Emerson Memorial Chapel.  To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.