1937 - 2016
Don was born in Winnemucca Nevada, on December 9, 1937 in the Humboldt County Hospital. Don was born to Clarence (Pike) Stoker and Clara Stoker and was joined by his three lovely sisters Joyce Legarza, Delores Frensdorff and Janice Paige. They all preceded him in death.
The Stoker family worked together, laughed together and of course carried much love, as was Don’s idea of a good life. Don was an ambitious young man and loved life.
Don attended Winnemucca Grammar School, Humboldt County High School (Class of 56) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Teaching with Math as a Major and Physical Athletics from the University of Nevada in Reno.
Don returned to Winnemucca and purchased the Frontier Motel from his folks and it became Stoker Enterprises.
Don married his childhood sweetheart Lillian Mason. They had three lovely children Lori Stoker Miller (Doug), David Stoker (Stacy) and Gary Stoker (Jeanne Kay). Don had four grandchildren Joshua, Kobe, Savannah and Willow. Don also had numerous nieces and nephews that loved and adored him too.
Don and Lillian celebrated 55 years of wedded bliss this January. Don was a city council member for 19 years, a school board member 18 years and Volunteer Fireman for 55 years.
Don was one of the main Little League Basketball organizers; he coached the Falcons for many years. He was a lifetime member of the Masonic Order in Nevada. Lifetime member of the NAIA Athletic Board of Nevada, he also was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Lowry High School.
Don was a lover of hunting, fishing and camping and he and three good friends bought an airplane, Don Peters, Jim Phillips and Steve Willer and were known as the American Pie Clan.
Don would have been an excellent Mr. Winnemucca because of his devotion to the city’s various problems and accomplishments. Don truly loved this city and never missed a day without a ride around the river. Don was always looking at what was going on in Winnemucca and what needed to be done.
Don was a member of the WCVA and Convention Center. He lived a wonderful, busy life. He will be missed by so many for his cheery smile, hugs and chatter. He loved to talk.
Don’s leaving us on a day of love, Valentine’s Day was a very appropriate as Don gave love and friendship to everyone he knew and each project he worked on. We will miss him forever and a day.
Don was an avid golfer and had a style of his own. So in saying goodbye Don, may you sing and dance with the angels in heaven. God Bless You Don and you keep soaring high in the sky. Happiness and love to you in Heaven. We loved you yesterday; we love you today, tomorrow and always. God Bless you our love.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday March 26, 2016 in the West Hall of the Convention Center at 11:00am and a remembrance in the East Hall of the Convention Center.
