Wendel R. Stokes

Goreville-Wendel R. Stokes, 73, passed away at 4:24am on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at his home. Wendel was born on February 14, 1940 in Goreville to Rolla and Eva Vern (Davis) Stokes.  He married Helen Rankin in Kane County on Thursday, October 16, 1958. She preceded him in death on March 4, 2013. Wendel was part owner of the Goreville Concrete Company at one time.  He owned and operated the Dinner Bell Restaurant for 25 years along with his wife Helen.  Wendel presently owns with his son Scott, the Goreville Machine Shop and Goreville Napa Supply. His warm smile and cheerful hello as you walked into his place of business made a customer always feel welcome.  Wendel loved to be with his grandkids and family. He loved reading and being on the farm and loved his community of Goreville. Survivors include: his daughter, Deborah Retz and husband Ken of Goreville; his son, Scott Stokes and Hunter Squellati of Goreville; grandchildren, Michael Retz of Nashville, Tennessee; Kevin Retz of Goreville and Amanda Stokes of Benton; and his good friend, Bill Landis of Goreville, who was like a brother to him. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at Blue Funeral Home in Goreville with the Rev. R.G. Null officiating. Burial will follow at Busby Cemetery in Goreville. Visitation will be on Friday, September 6, 2013 from 5pm-9pm at the funeral home.