Carl Warner Stokes

Carl Warner Stokes, age 89, family man and farmer, was born in New Lyme, OH, on February 15, 1930.  He died in his home on December 14, 2019, with his family by his side. He was the son of Wilbur Chapman Stokes (1976) and Claudia Ruth Warner (1951) and step-son to Ruth Irene West (2008).  His siblings include Barbara Hawkins (sister) and Nancy Kessner (step-sister).

Carl was married to Joyce Jeanne Stevens on March 5, 1960.  They had five children:  Cindy Zaebst (Chris), Sue Woirhaye (Deryl), Sandy Goff (Jesse), JoAnne Stokes, and Kenny Stokes (Tammy).  Grandchildren include:  JR Mason (Bethany), Luke Zaebst (Beth), Jamie Zaebst (Autumn), Sara Sheen (Kyle), Chase Woirhaye, Lindsey Zaebst (Nick Dzura), Josh Zaebst, Katie Stokes, Allison Stokes, and Travis Goff.  His seven great grandchildren include:  Logan and Cameron Mason, Leighton and Gannon Zaebst, Michael McNish, Tristan Gray, and Sadie Sheen.

Throughout his life, Carl was the recipient of many awards. He was inducted into the Ashtabula County Basketball Hall of Fame (2013), and received the Outstanding Conservation Farmer (1976).  He also received numerous production awards from his cows over the years.  Additionally, he served on the Western Reserve Cooperative Board, Soil Conservation Service Board, and the local chapter of Farm Bureau.  He was a trustee for New Lyme Township for 16 years.  Carl was also a member of the Andover Christian Church. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Andover Christian Church Fellowship Hall (Stillman Avenue) on Tuesday, December 17th, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Christopher L. Zaebst Scholarship fund, c/o Rita Woodard, treasurer, 4045 Russell Road, Dorset, OH 44032, the Country Neighbor Summer Lunch program for Children, 39 S. Maple Street   Orwell, OH 44076, the Andover Christian Church, 150 Stillman Avenue, Andover, OH 44003 or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Road, Ashtabula, OH 44004.

The Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory and staff, Jefferson, Ashtabula & Geneva is honored to serve the Carl Stokes Family.  To view obituary, express condolences or light a candle, visit fleming-billman.com.

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