Barney M. Stokes, 1910-2003, Versailles

Barney M. Stokes, 93, of Versailles, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City.

He was born May 18, 1910, in Hancock, a son of Thomas J. and Maude Belle Slaven Stokes. On Dec. 30, 1934, he was married to Ellen J. Stone, who died Dec. 11, 1997.

Mr. Stokes was an educator for 42 years. He spend the majority of that time as principal of Latham and Fortuna grade schools. He was a lifetime farmer in the Excelsior area. He was former treasurer of Hazel Dell Insurance Co. He was a member of Lake of the Ozarks Coon Club, Booneslick Coon Club and Latham Christian Church.

Surviving are a son, Larry Stokes, of Latham; a daughter, Connie Barnhill, of California; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Latham Christian Church, with Jim Randall, Leslie Howard and Bill Martensen officiating. Pallbearers will be Joe Kost, Tim Kost, Jamie Kost, Chad Fulks, Terry Fulks and Michael Leinback. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery near Latham. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home in Versailles.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the church.