Bobby Zane Stokes

With deep love and heavy hearts, the family of Bobby Zane Stokes announces his peaceful passing on June 15, 2025, surrounded by family in Somerset, Kentucky.

Born in Wallins Creek, Kentucky, on April 28, 1935, Bobby was the son of Foster and Jewel Barton Stokes. Foster, a devoted coal miner, married Mavin White, who lovingly raised Bobby as her own from the age of seven. Growing up in a tight-knit family, Bobby shared his early days with siblings Ruth Stokes Carr, Bill J. Stokes, Arthur Fuson, Eva Stokes Toby, Julia Stokes Rash, and Wheeler Jack Stokes.

Bobby’s life was full of chapters, each revealing a new side of his character. He was a student of Harlan High School, a Marine, and a scholar who studied Sociology at Somerset Community College. He was never one to shy away from hard work, taking on roles at Stokes Coal Company, Singer sewing machine salesman, machine operator at Tecumseh Products, and owner of Midway Discount. Yet, his greatest calling came in 1972 when he was ordained in the Church of God of Anderson, Indiana. As a pastor at Elrod First Church of God, Noel’s Chapel First Church of God, and New Hope First Church of God, he found his true purpose—guiding, comforting, and lifting up others.

It was on a motorcycle ride down Highway 27 that Bobby met his match: June Cromer. Strong-willed, beautiful, and deeply rooted in her faith, she became the love of his life. They were married on January 31, 1955. They shared over seventy years of marriage that included joy and a deep spiritual bond, especially in raising their only son, Larry Evan, born in 1956. Larry was their pride and light, and even after his untimely death in 2013, Bobby and June’s love for their son shone brightly in their ministry and their love for others.

Bobby was a man of many passions. A proud Kentucky Colonel, he was also an enthusiastic fan of the Kentucky Wildcats. He loved traveling, working in his yard, finding a balance between fitness and his passion for food, and most of all, sharing God’s Word. He was also a natural-born salesman and storyteller. There’s a story about Bobby selling a handgun at his hunting and fishing store—when it accidentally broke down into cleaning parts, he didn’t miss a beat, joking, “See, you don’t want this one—it’s a piece of junk.” With that, the customer left happy with a sturdier, more expensive gun. Stories like these will keep Bobby’s memory alive, reminding all who knew him of his humor, charm, and wit.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents, Foster and Mavin Stokes; his siblings Ruth, Eva Mae, Bill and Arthur; and his beloved son, Larry.

He leaves behind his loving wife, June; his grandchildren, Emily (Matt) Pannell and Erin (Mark) Ketron; and his great-grandchildren, Sarah Pannell, Daniel Ketron, and Lauren Ketron. Bobby is also survived by his sister Julia Rash, brother Wheeler Jack Stokes, and a close circle of sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was deeply cherished by his “daughters by choice,” Sandy Keeney Claunch and Debbie Taylor Weiland, “grandsons by choice,” Philip Gilmore and Steven Marjerison and countless friends. Bobby’s life was rich with the love he both gave and received.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Science Hill Church of the Nazarene at 2pm. Visitation will be 10am-2pm, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Gideons International or WTHL Radio.

Bobby's favorite hymn spoke of the place he longed for: “Beulah Land, I’m longing for you; And some day on thee I’ll stand; There my home shall be eternal; Beulah Land, sweet Beulah Land.” His life was one of grace, joy, and devotion, and those who knew him will hold onto the legacy of his warmth and kindness forever.