Gene Edwin Stokes

MSgt Gene Edwin Stokes, U.S. Air Force, Ret., age 80, of Long Beach, passed away on November 4, 2013, in Gulfport.
Mr. Stokes was preceded in death by his wife and soul mate of 59 years, Barbara Sue Stokes, an infant daughter, Susan Stokes, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Franklin Stokes, and a brother, Joe Stokes.
He is survived by his children, Sherri (Rick) Kergosien, Greg (Mary) Stokes, Christe (James) McGuire, and Dawn (Don) Taylor, 2 brothers, Rev. Charles (Louise) Stokes, and Jim Stokes, 10 grandchildren, Marc, Tyler, Kimberly, and Brett Kergosien, Kara (Matt) Smith, Jeremy Eyer, Matthew and Anna McGuire, and Jacob and Braden Taylor, 5 great-grandchildren, Kristyn and Cain Kergosien, Drew and Jake Smith, and Taylor Rose Kergosien, and other relatives and friends.
Mr. Stokes proudly served his country for 23 years in the U.S. Air Force retiring as a Master Sergeant. He later retired from Cable One after also working 23 years. He was a member of Bible Baptist Church and was an avid sports fan - always rooting for the underdog! He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren especially playing baseball in the backyard. Mr. Stokes was a kind and gentle man and will missed by all those who knew him.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 7, 2013, from 5 - 6 pm at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach. The funeral service will be at 6 pm in the funeral home chapel. A private interment will take place in Biloxi National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or any other charity benefiting children.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.rieamnnfamily.com