Richard Lynn Stokes

Richard Lynn Stokes, 75, died Saturday, December 29, 2012, at University Hospital in Columbia, Mo. Richard was born February 22, 1937 to Lynn A. and Juanita E. Stokes. He attended school in Springfield, Missouri and graduated from Central High School in 1955. He earned a BS in art and physical education from Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) in 1959 and then earned a master's in art and education from Vanderbilt University. He served in the Navy (Hawaii) as an artist on the admiral's staff and became known as the "Hillbilly in Hawaii" due to his outstanding fiddle playing. He was a teacher, artist, pilot and musician all of his life, learning the art of fiddle playing at an early age and winning the state fiddlers contest at Nixa at the age of 16. He's played his violin for numerous charity and political events and was also passionate about playing music for individuals with special needs. Richard also played in the Jefferson City Symphony. To all who knew him and loved him, he loved his music. His violin will never be silent as his daughter, Paula and granddaughters, Nicole and Emily, share his same passion for music. Richard Stokes is survived by his mother: Juanita Stokes of Springfield, Missouri; one son: Brad Stokes of Jefferson City; one daughter: Paula Stokes-Parker and husband, Dale of Columbia; one sister: Anita L. Stokes-Poots of Albuquerque, N.M.; one niece: Jennifer L. Gonzales of Albuquerque, N.M.; and three grandchildren, Kelci,Nicole and Emily. Friends will be received from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, January 4, 2013, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 5, 2013, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Private family interment will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Legion. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St.; Jefferson City, MO 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com