William Hart Stokes

William (Bill) Hart Stokes, 72, of Ozark, Missouri passed away peacefully in his own home on January 22, 2016 in the hands and care of his loving wife, son and daughter in law. Bill was born in Wichita, KS to Jack L. and Virginia Jean on January 25, 1943. He was a Vietnam Veteran with the United States Navy and retired after 32 years of service from air traffic control. He proposed to the love of his life over 50 years ago on Christmas making it 49 unforgettable years with his Bride. Bill was fond of being outdoors, especially in the sunshine, whether surfing in Hawaii, skiing on a Colorado mountain or boating on Table Rock Lake. He truly had a joy for his work as an air traffic controller, enjoyed playing hockey and golf and was talented on a pair of water skis, snow skis, rollerblades and ice skates. He was a man of few words, but also a man with a genuine heart of gold. Bill was dedicated to his family as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, a provider, a protector and a generous soul who would and did give the shirt off of his back to others in need. He was a man of integrity, gentle, lovable, dependable and kind. Bill was extremely loved and his demonstration of love for his family and others will be dearly missed. Bill is survived by his wife Susan; Mother Virginia Jean of Shell Knob, Mo; 2 Children: Daughter and Son-in-law, Erica and Brock Mincks of Carrollton, Tx; Son and Daughter-in-law, Marc and Mary of Creede, Co; 2 Grandchildren: Caleb Matthew and Milana Hart Mincks; Brother, Jack and wife Jan of Overland Park, KS; Sister-in-law, Sally Seminoff and husband Steve of Olathe, KS; Brother-in-law, Eric Evenson and wife Nancy of Branson, Mo; 3 Nieces: Leslie and Darin Baugher, Donna and Jim Steele, Caroline Evenson; 1 Nephew: Scott Seminoff; and a host of other caring relatives and friends. Bill is preceded in death by his father, Jack Leslie Stokes Funeral Services will be held at James River Church Wednesday January 27, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with burial at Missouri Veterans Cemetery Springfield, MO at 2:00 P.M. Adams Funeral Home in Ozark are in charge of arrangements.