Jerry Stokes

Jerry Stokes 82, of Mertzon died Tuesday January 10, 2017 in a local hospital after battling cancer. Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday January 14, at the First Christian Church in San Angelo with Rev Bun Jackson officiating. Mr. Stokes was born November 13, 1934 to Zepha and Lillie Mae Hunt Stokes in Lone Oak Texas. He and Charlene Brown were married February 9, 1985 in San Angelo. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mertzon, Texas. Jerry began his career with Armour and Company at the Ft. Worth Stockyards at the age of eighteen years old. He was an exceptional salesman and was promoted to sales manager in West Texas. In 1960, he opened Handy Meat and Provisions, a local butcher shop, serving restaurants and grocery stores in the San Angelo area. That butcher shop would eventually grow into the widely known Handy Packing Co. located on North Bell Street in San Angelo which he owned and operated until 1990. He later became a salesman for PAK Quality Foods where he continued working until his death on Tuesday. Jerry was also involved in ranching, that included operating the Tweedy Ranch for many years. Jerry served his community as Chairman of Board of the West Texas Boys Ranch and the meat industry as President of Southwest Meat Association. Cooking was something he enjoyed greatly. He and Charlene were a part of the Hoolihan for a number of years. Survivors include his wife Charlene Stokes of Mertzon, two sons, Terry Stokes and wife Beverley of San Angelo, Gary Stokes and wife Patty of Wall, two daughters, Ann Cude and husband Jonathan of Irving, Cindi Breazeale and husband David of Granbury, a brother Robert Stokes of Lone Oak, a sister Jean Bilson of Plano, grandchildren Whitney Finke and husband Joe, Ryan Stokes, Kasey Engdahl and husband Clay, Ashlyn Stokes, Chris Cude, Jon Michael Cude and wife Sydney, Lauren Breazeale, Courtney Breazeale, Jayton Garcia and wife Audrey, Jenae Garcia Portillo and husband Martin, Jayson Garcia, and nine great grandchildren. The family would like to thank Dr. Cummings and his staff for their excellent and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to West Texas Boys Ranch, First United Methodist Church of Mertzon, or a charity of their choice.