Odus Fred Stokes, longtime proprietor of Stokes Brothers’ Garage, died Early Sunday morning at Oak Ridge Manor after a brief struggle with cancer.
Odus and his twin brother Orus were born June 2nd, 1925 in Eastland County to Arthur Neal “Dood” Stokes and Eria Geneva Reese Stokes. They attended school and grew up near the community of Carbon. In 1941, the brothers moved to Brownwood to seek employment in the “Camp Bowie boom” and soon found work with Marvin Flowers at his garage and service station. The brothers eventually bought the business and remained at that location for the next 72 years, building a reputation for hard work, long hours and exceedingly honest business practices.
Odus married his wife, Winnie Holder Stokes, on June 13th, 1943. The couple raised three children and children-in-law: Betty White and her husband William W. White of Garland, Brenda Ezzell and her husband Willie Ezzell of Rising Star and Fred Stokes and his wife Brandi Messerla Stokes of Brownwood. The couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in June of 2013.
Odus was preceded in death by his parents and beloved brother. He is survived by his wife, three children and his sister Doris “Dot” Johnson of Brownwood. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Wesley White of San Angelo, Mechelle Bill and husband Cody of Lubbock, Will Ezzell of Parker, Arizona, Courtney Bridges and husband Glenn of Ladson, South Carolina, Brenae Leverton of Abilene, Tiffani Rader of Brownwood and Felicity Stokes of Brownwood. Also surviving are eight great-grandchildren:Payton White; Gatlin, Sarah, Garrett and Avery Bill; Cole and Lane Bridges and Aayden Camden. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Odus and Winnie Stokes were long-time members of Belle Plain Baptist Church.Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Heartland Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2p.m. at Heartland Funeral Home with interment to follow at Whon Cemetery. Bill Slaymaker will officiate.
The family wishes to thank Dr. T. Ward Locklear and his staff, the 2E nursing staff at Brownwood Regional Medical Center, the staff of Oak Ridge Manor, the staff of Girling Hospice Services and the staff of Heartland Funeral Home for their care and compassion during this most difficult of times. God bless you each and all.
We will miss this man beyond description, this beloved husband and treasured father. Sleep well and suffer not, the arms of the Lord surely keep you now.
Condolences can be offered to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net
