88S30543 CW-D By: Murr H.R. No. 52 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the passing of Warren Thomas Stokes of Ozona on September 1, 2023, at the age of 81; and WHEREAS, The son of W. T. "Dub" and Madeline Hughes Stokes, Tommy Stokes was born in Odessa on May 8, 1942; he was a member of the Class of 1960 at Ozona High School, and he graduated from Texas Tech University with an accounting degree; while at Texas Tech, he met his future wife, the former JoNel Epperson; the couple exchanged wedding vows, going on to share a rewarding marriage that spanned six decades; together, they raised three sons, Ken, John, and Andy, and with the passing years, their treasured family grew to include eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; Mr. Stokes was a friend to many, and he especially enjoyed going fishing with his loved ones; and WHEREAS, Mr. Stokes served as the Crockett County tax assessor-collector for many years; a man of diverse talents who had learned the skill of cable tool drilling from his father, he also made a name for himself as a water well driller; working alongside his wife, he further distinguished himself in his agricultural career; in 2016, Mr. and Mrs. Stokes were honored as the Edwards County Conservation Ranchers of the Year; and WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his family and his community, Tommy Stokes earned the lasting respect and admiration of all who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Warren Thomas Stokes and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, JoNel Stokes; to his brother, Sandy Stokes, and his wife, Vicki; to his sons, Ken Stokes and his wife, Gay, John Tom Stokes and his wife, Codie, and Andy Stokes and his wife, Rebecca; to his grandchildren, Justin Maldonado and his wife, Cristi, James Stokes and his wife, Emily, Cheyene Bownds and her husband, Chandler, Sol Stokes and his wife, Linda, Payton Bayer and his wife, Shelby, Sierra Rowland and her husband, Gus, and Kali and Greer Stokes; to his great-grandchildren, Ellum Maldonado, Darcie Stokes, Cash and Channing Bownds, Whitley Bayer, and Walker Rowland; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Tommy Stokes.