Darrell H. Stokes
December 31, 1942 – January 13, 2024
Heaven just got a whole lot funnier. At 81, Darrell died peacefully on January 13, 2024, at The George E. Wahlen Veterans Home in Ogden, Utah surrounded by the love of his family.
Darrell was born on December 31, 1942, in Brigham City, Utah to Harvey C. Stokes and Fern Romer Stokes and welcomed by his sister Karen.
Darrell spent his childhood in Brigham City with his mother and sister. Then later through Harvey, Teresa, and Taunya came along and made him a big brother. He attended Box Elder High School through 11th grade then moved to Ogden when his mother married Sherwood Blaylock and added 5 more siblings.
He graduated in 1961 from Ben Lomond High School and was a seminary graduate.
In 1962 Darrell enlisted in the Navy where he was assigned to the USS Bayfield for 3 years followed by 6 years in the Naval Reserve.
In 1965 Darrell married Yvonne Allred (later divorced) in Brigham City. This union brought him 3 beloved daughters, Kristi (Cross), Wendy, and Heidi.
Darrell worked at Hill Air Force Base as a Photographic Equipment Repairman from 1967 to 1979 when he received medical disability retirement due to a severe leg injury in a 1976 motorcycle accident.
Not being one to sit still, Darrell started his own business called Handyman Service, then a few years later he started Royal Carpet Cleaning. If you had a home in Box Elder County with carpet, Darrell has probably cleaned it. Running a successful business allowed Darrell to retire at age 58. It was at about this time he met Carol Bunderson. They were soon married at Carols home in Brigham City on June 2, 2000.
Together they made their home in Honeyville. This union added another daughter, Wendy Jensen to the family. One year later the marriage was solemnized in the Ogden, Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That marked the beginning of faithful service to his church for the remainder of his life, including an 18-month senior proselyting mission with Carol in 2007 to Kennewick, WA. He also served as a Temple Ordinance Worker, Ward Clerk and with the Scouts.
He was a member of Brigham Bowmen Archery Club for many years and enjoyed introducing his daughters to the sport.
Darrell was a man of many talents and hobbies. He could fix or build anything, especially if it involved wood. He was a skilled artist, carpenter, and craftsman. In December of 1999 Darrell added Patented Inventor to his list of accomplishments when he obtained a US Patent for an “Audible Floor Sign Device.”
Darrell worked hard and played hard. He enjoyed spending time at his property in Island Park, Idaho with his girls and later with Carol and his grandchildren. And the stories he and his friend Bert Moffitt could tell of their many 4-wheeling adventures.
Darrell is survived by his wife of 23 years, Carol of Honeyville, Utah; his daughter’s - Cross (Chris) Tanner of Brigham City, Utah; Wendy (Steve) Sandberg of Malad, Idaho; Heidi (Jeff) Sharp of Layton, Utah; and Wendy Jensen of Draper, Utah; sisters Teresa (Tim) Mcgrain; and Taunya Ballard of Salt Lake City, Utah; 5 grandchildren, Kylie (Rob) Miller, Austin Sharp, Jackson Tanner, Jenna Tanner and Brandon Sharp.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents and sister Karen (Kent) Yates, and by a grand-daughter MacKenzie Jo Tanner.
Darrell loved his family and friends deeply, and the definition of “family and friends” went wide and deep. He leaves this life loved by so many people for the good man and fun man that he was.
He will be sorely missed.
Special Thanks to the caring staff at The George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home and to Bristol Hospice.
Donations can be made in Darrell’s name to The American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Harper Ward Building, 620 North 300 East, Brigham City, Utah. Viewings will be held the evening before on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and prior to the service on Saturday, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., both will be at the church house. Interment will be in the Ogden City Cemetery, 1875 Monroe Blvd.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.myers-mortuary.com.
Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary of Brigham City.