Gilford-Earl Norman "Frenchy" Stokes, 80, of 20 Hoyt Road died on Tuesday morning, May 15, 2007 at Genesis Health Care-Laconia Center after a period of declining health.
Earl was the son of the late Joseph and Rose (Jacques) Stokes. He was born in Laconia, NH on September 3, 1926. He had made his home in Gilford for over 42 years coming from Laconia.
Prior to his retirement he was a steam fitter for Northern Peabdy, Inc., formerly known as Northern Plumbing and Heating. Earl was a WWII Army Veteran serving honorably serving his country as a Corporal. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Laconia, and a member of Local 131 United Association of Steamfitter’s. He attended Sacred Heart School, and was a graduate of Laconia High School.
Earl had an incredible understanding of anything mechanical, so much so that he had built his own television and organ. Artistically gifted he enjoyed drawing and sketching. Earl also enjoyed reading, woodworking, knife collecting, photography, walking, weight lifting, and fishing, in which he always found the best spots where fish were located. He had an incredible tenor voice, and a great sense of humor.
Earl is predeceased by his son, Steven Michael Stokes who died in 1958; his brother Russell Stokes; and his sisters Marilyn Stokes, and Gertrude Cyr.
Earl is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dolores C. (Simoneau) Stokes of Gilford; two daughters, Kim M. Stokes of Franklin, and Chris I. Crostowski and her husband Lenny of Bristol; two grandsons, Steven Blake of Manchester and Alex Blake of Cannan; two great-grandsons, Valentine Blake of Canaan, and Xavier Blake of Manchester. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive Earl.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors was held Monday, May 21, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. at the family lot in Bayside Cemetery, Union Avenue, Laconia. There were no visiting hours.
For those who wish, the family suggests expressions of sympathy in Earl’s name may be made to the New Hampshire Humane Society, P.O. Box 572, Laconia, NH 03247, or visit www.nhhumane.org