Gary Lee Stokes, 82, of Indiana, PA, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, in Mt. Juliet, TN. Gary was a devoted father, proud grandfather, dedicated teacher, respected coach and trusted friend.
Born November 17, 1942, in Punxsutawney, PA, Gary spent most of his life in Punxsutawney and Indiana, PA, before moving to Mt. Juliet, TN, in 2024. In passing, he is reunited with his beloved wife, Helen Genoplus Stokes, his brother George Edward Stokes and his parents, George C. and Frances L. Shirey Stokes.
Gary’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his two children, Steve Stokes and Nikki (Will) Rehberg, and four grandchildren: Bo, Helen, and Katie Beth Rehberg of Mt. Juliet, TN, and Noah Stokes of Nashville, TN. He also leaves behind two sisters, Susan S. McKie of Greensburg, PA, and Rebecca S. Rumgay of Imperial, CA.
A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Gary served as a Navy Hospital Corpsman, second-class petty officer, from 1960 to 1963. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in education from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. Gary also held additional graduate studies from Penn State University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. For nearly three decades, Gary inspired countless students as a biology teacher and head baseball coach in the Indiana Area School District, where he was honored three times in Who’s Who Among American Teachers.
Gary lived life with enthusiasm and kindness. Before moving to Tennessee, he was an active member, usher, and reader at Trinity United Methodist Church. He loved bowling-earning medals in the PA Senior Olympics-and enjoyed photography, golf, western movies, and bluegrass music. A lifelong sports fan, Gary was rarely seen without his Yankees cap and cheered faithfully for the Los Angeles Rams.
The family will celebrate Gary’s life with a memorial service at Trinity United Methodist Church in Indiana, PA, in early spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Scleroderma Foundation.
Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter
