Obituary of CMSgt William Austin Stokes,, USAF, Jr.

CMSgt William "Bill" Stokes, Jr., USAF, (Ret.) passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Mr. Stokes was born on July 15, 1931 in Baltimore, Maryland. Bill served a thirty year career in the United States Air Force, most of which was spent as the drum major of the USAF Academy Band and Drum and Bugle Corps.In his retirement, Bill was involved in many different endeavors to include pageantry consultant for the Walt Disney Company, and field judge for countless marching band and drum and bugle corps competitions nationwide.In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening and making things grow. He was a Master Gardener and member of the Colorado State Cooperative Extension Board, which earned him the nickname "The Tree Man". Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; and his son, George.He is survived by his sister, Jane Docken; daughter, Barbara Parsons; son-in-law, Michael Parsons; six grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.Private Memorial Service, 10:00AM, Thursday, April 22, 2021.Inurnment, United States Air Force Academy Cemetery, Air Force Academy, Colorado, 80841.The service will be streamed live. The link to watch the service will be located under the obituary in the events section. Events Memorial Service Thursday, April 22, 2021 10:00AM Private Service - Live Stream Available Webcast Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Final Resting Place Air Force Academy Cemetery Cemetery Road Air Force Academy, CO 80840