S Stokes

S. Dewey Stokes

Dewey Stokes, 83, died early Tuesday morning, October 27, following a long illness. Mr. Stokes was born in Midland, Texas June 18, 1925 and grew up on a ranch near Carrizozo.

In 1940, his junior in high school, he entered New Mexico Military Institute. Among his many activities at the Institute for three years, Dewey was a well known member of the Polo Team. In June, 1945 at the end of his first year of college, Mr. Stokes joined the Army. He received his basic training at Fort Riley Kansas, was assigned to the mechanized cavalry, attended Texas AM and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. Lieutenant Stokes was transferred to the 86th Infantry Division and served in the Philippine Islands until 1946 when he was discharged as a captain.

Returning to New Mexico, Dewey attended the Texas School of Mines in El Paso two semesters where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon SAE. He moved to Midland and became a Scout for Shell Oil Company.

In 1950 during the Korean War, Captain Stokes was recalled to active duty and served in Cody, Wyoming where he met and married Ruth Lunsford. She preceded him in death in 1953. He was discharged and Shell moved him to Roswell in 1954. Later that year November 5 he married Gayle Armstrong.

From 1955 until 1995 he managed the farms and ranches of Armstrong and Armstrong. Dewey was highly respected for his dedication to his family and his love of the farms and ranches. He was president of the NMMI Alumni Association, 1968-1970, and later served on the NMMI Foundation board of Directors.

Survivors include his wife Gayle; his son, Len and his wife Cheryl, Alto NM; Jim and his wife Linda Plano, TX; Brian and his wife Robyn, Roswell, and his daughter Lauri, Broomfield CO, and seven grandsons, four granddaughters, and one great-granddaughter.

Memorial services are scheduled at the NMMI chapel at 10 am Saturday, November 1, with the Reverend Gorton Smith and Archie Echols presiding. Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory are handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made to the NMMI Foundation, 101 W. College or to the Cowboy Bells Scholarship, First United Methodist Church, 202 N. Pennsylvania, or the charity of your choice.

An online register can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com.

Service

Memorial Service

NMMI Chapel
101 W. College
Roswell, NM  88201
Saturday, November 1, 2008
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Ballard Crematory
910 S. Main Street
Roswell, NM  88203

Memorial Contributions

NMMI Foundation
101 W. College
Roswell, NM  88201

First United Methodist Church Cow Bell Fund
200 N. Pennsylvannia
Roswell, NM  88201