Obituary

Harold Stokes

January 18, 1944 - June 3, 2026

Harold Stokes, age 82 and of Amite, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, at Hood Memorial Hospital. He was born on January 18, 1944, in Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Harold was a proud graduate of Amite High School, Class of 1962, and a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Amite. Throughout his life, he built a career in the scaffolding industry, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication.

Outside of his work, Harold embraced life to the fullest. He found joy in dancing with his lovely wife, spending time outdoors, and making memories with family and friends. He especially loved floating the river, bird hunting, fishing, working with his bird dogs, and participating in field trials with his bird dogs, as well as spending time with horses and going on trail rides. Many will remember him at the pool table or cheering on loved ones at sporting events, often with massive bowls of Blue Bell ice cream nearby. His greatest joy, however, was the time he spent surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Zola Mae Stokes and Shelby Harold Stokes; his brother, Daniel Stokes; and his father-in-law, Clifton Jones, and mother-in-law, Erline Jones.

He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 62 years, Ruth Elizabeth Jones Stokes. He leaves behind his children: DeRenda Denise Stokes Gill (Harrison Gill), DaWanna DeLaine Stokes Schultz (Leonard Schultz), and Shelby Shane Stokes (Rachel Andre, affectionately known by Harold as his “Fruitcake”).

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Justin Bennett (Abigail Bennett), Daniel Bennett (Ashton Rohr), Rebecca Davis Schmidt (Kleat Schmidt), Molly Gill (Justin Darby), Cody Ellis, David Ellis (Madeline Ellis), Dusty Stokes (Geoffrey Young), and Dakota Stokes (Blair Stokes).

Harold was blessed with numerous great-grandchildren: Hannah Bennett, Blake Bennett, Paisley Bennett, Jace Bennett, Jaxon Bennett, Danny Bennett, Summer Lyne Bennett, Waylon Bennett, Myley Ellis, Brinley Ellis, CJ Ellis, Aubrey Grace Ellis, Ryatt Ellis, Jaxon Stokes, and Amelia “Millie” Stokes, with one more great-grandchild, Josephine Rose Schmidt, expected in June 2026.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Amite, Louisiana, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m., with Dr. Matthew White officiating. Graveside services will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests consideration of a donation to the First Baptist Church Amite Flower Fund. Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 935, Amite, Louisiana 70422.

Harold will be remembered for his love of family, his lively spirit, and the countless memories he created with those who knew and loved him.