Barney C. Stokes

Barney Stokes, Riverdale, MD Barney Stokes, 83, passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2013. Barney was born to Cager and Mabel Stokes on November 10, 1929 in Millport, Alabama. He is survived by his children, Kathy Garrenton of Hudson, OH, Christopher Stokes of Davidsonville, MD, Scott Stokes (Lori) of Dunkirk, MD; grandchildren, Camille, Chelsea, Darcy, Mandy, Alex, Julia, Ryan, Connor, and the late Matthew Christopher, great granddaughter Quinn; loving companion Joan Shotland; brother Kellon Stokes; sister Jean Richards; along with a number of nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Din, Dr. George and such a caring and loving staff at Doctor's Community Hospital of Lanham, MD. After his Navy service he embarked on a 57 year career as a barber in Riverdale, MD. His friends called him the mayor of Riverdale. Barney enjoyed washing cars and cutting the grass on the weekends. You would often see him taking care of the neighbor's grass as well. He enjoyed watching golf, Redskins football games, Barrett Jackson Auto Auctions and of course Alabama college football. He enjoyed riding bikes and was still riding his Schwinn Air Dyne at 83 years old. Barney enjoyed listening to Blue Grass music. Seldom Scene, Allison Krauss and Gene Watson are just a few bands he loved. Barney was a personal friend of Bill Harrell and the family often recalls Harrell playing in the family room. Barney enjoyed going to American Legion in Greenbelt, MD for meals. Family and friends would often meet him there for breakfast or dinner. Many people have been positively changed by Barney's generous friendship. Barney had a work ethic like no other. He never felt he needed to retire because he enjoyed his work so much. Barney was sitting in his barber chair 3 weeks ago and said to his loving companion, Joan, "I have had a good life." Visitation will be on Monday, September 9, 2013 at 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Beall Funeral Home. The funeral service is on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 11:00 am at Beall Funeral Home and the interment is at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD. with reception to follow at The Brandywine American Legion, 13505 Cherry Tree Crossing Road, Brandywine, MD 20613. The American Legion of Greenbelt will pay tribute to Barney Stokes on September 9, 2013 at 2:30 for his service to his country. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by going to their website at www.lls.org.