Orval Vernon Stokes
4/22/1926-1/6/2020
Orval Stokes, 93, passed away January 6th 2020 at his home surrounded by family.
Orval was born April 22nd 1926 in Yreka, CA. He had 6 siblings, one of which was his twin brother Arland. Orval lived in Gridley, for a brief time before moving to Susanville, in 1936 where he lived the rest of his days. At 16 years old, Orval worked for Fruit Growers Supply Co., while attending Lassen High School, where he graduated in 1945. The last 12 years with the Fruit Growers Supply Co. he was a fireman in the power house. In 1963 he left Fruit Growers Supply Co. and started working for the U.S. Forest Service until he retired in 1990. While employed with the Forest Service he was a fire crew bus driver, sign maker, equipment operator, and truck driver.
On January 3rd 1948 he married his love Barbara Grayson. During their marriage they welcomed four children and subsequently 9 grandchildren. They were married 46 years before she passed away. In the following years he welcomed 11 great grandchildren.
Orval was involved with his community during his lifetime as he was a little league district administrator, belonged to the 20/30 club, 40+ year member of the Susanville Elks Club, and was a Ducks Unlimited Committee Member.
He loved to hunt and fish. He especially enjoyed the hunting trips he shared with his 2 sons. He treasured every moment with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was proceeded in death by his 6 siblings and his wife Barbara.
He is survived by his four children Harold Stokes of Quincy, CA; Cecelia Taylor of Phoenix, AZ; Kathy Matthews of Susanville, CA; and Craig Stokes of Susanville, CA. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Services for Oval will be held Saturday Jan 18th, 2020 2pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 905 Richmond Road Susanville, CA.
Why Pre-plan?
Thinking about your own funeral leaves most people feeling a little uneasy, but more adults are finding that pre-planning a funeral offers great emotional and even financial security for them and their families. With pre-planning, families find comfort in knowing that the funeral reflects what their loved one wanted. It also gives them peace of mind to not have to make important decisions at a stressful time. Click here to visit Walton’s Funeral Home
