Francis M Stoker

Francis M. Stoker, 97, of Maumee, Ohio passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at his residence. He was born on June 24, 1916 in Sparta, Illinois, to Jake and EmmaMcCully Stoker. Francis was a veteran of the United States Army, where he severed in the China-Burma-India Theatre during WWII. While in India he served in the Transportation Corps running the Troop Train. He was especially proud that he spent his entire tour with the same four buddies. After the war, Francis came back to the states and worked on the railroad as a switchman and conductor for Norfolk and Western until the age of 65. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 28 and the VFW Post 6170, both of Perrysburg. As a young man, Francis was a semi-professional wrestler under the name Tuffy Red Stoker. He even had a chance to meet Jack Dempsey. He remained active and independent and enjoyed woodworking, fishing, feeding the birds, the St. Louis Cardinals, and revisiting his birthplace of Sparta. One of the greatest moments for Francis was being able to go on the Honor Flight in Washington D.C to visit the memorial for WWII veterans. He was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife of 54 years, Faye. He is survived by his son, Michael Christina Stoker; daughter, Paula Duell; grandchildren, Michael Jayna and Todd Leah Duell; and great grandchildren, Noah, Michael, and Lucas. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 from 2:00-8:00 p.m at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant Street, Maumee, Ohio 43537. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 12:00 in the funeral home. Interment will be held in Pleasant View Cemetery, Rudolph, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be given to the Honor Flight. Online condolences may be given at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com