FORTVILLE
Benjamin W. Stokes, 101, of Fortville, passed away July 31, 2017 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fort Wayne. He was born on November 11, 1915 in Fortville, IN as the son of Samuel J. and Emma Gertrude (Nagle) Stokes.
He graduated from Fortville High School in 1933. Benjamin received his Bachelor’s degree from DePauw University in 1937. He served in the Army Air Corps for 3 years during World War II. He married Helen A. (Wellington) Stokes on July 13, 1952.
He retired from Western Electric Company in 1981 after 32 years. He had previously worked for the Office of the Fortville Grain Company and Jefferson National Life Insurance Company as well.
Benjamin was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity at DePauw University, and a member of Fortville United Methodist Church where he served on various committees and commissions, including 11 years as Lay Leader. He was a Charter Member of the Methodist Men’s Organization and a member of the Korner of Faith Sunday School Class. He was also a former Treasurer for the Fortville Chamber of Commerce for several years, as well as Secretary-Treasurer for the Vernon Township Alumni Association and later the Mt. Vernon Alumni Association.
He is survived by his son, Samuel E. (Lori) Stokes of Auburn, IN; and grandsons, Benjamin Stokes of Fort Wayne, IN, Austin (Becca) Stokes of London, OH, and Cameron Stokes of Auburn, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel J. and Emma Gertrude Stokes; and wife, Helen Stokes.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Fortville United Methodist Church, 125 E. Staat Street, Fortville, IN 46040. A funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation at 11:00 a.m. also at the church. Rev. Joe Smith will be officiating. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. Jones Cemetery in Yorktown, IN. Arrangements are being handled by Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Fortville.
Memorial contributions may be made by mail to the Fortville United Methodist Church, or Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fort Wayne by website at http://www.vnfw.org/content/make-donation, or envelopes will be available at the church.
Friends may share a memory or a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.
