Charles Alexander Stokes, Jr.

Charles Alexander Stokes, Jr., known as “Sonny” to his family, passed away on February 10, 2026, at his home. He was 88 years old.

Born on August 29, 1937, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Charlie entered a city that hummed with dockside trade, river air, and jazz. He loved jazz — almost always playing softly in the background at home — and said it was the music of every man on the street as he walked through life. The son of Charles, a New Orleans streetcar driver, and Louise Monet Stokes, he grew up roaming freely — hopping streetcars to Audubon Park, playing ball beneath live oaks covered in Spanish moss, climbing trees, and returning home tired but grinning. Summers meant sleeping on a cot on the screened back porch, listening to chickens and crickets, the only boy among two older sisters, Audrey and Chris.

After his mother’s death when he was fifteen, life shifted. A gifted student, he earned a full scholarship to De La Salle High School, the respected Catholic college preparatory school in New Orleans, and later a full-ride scholarship to Tulane University. Instead of college, he chose to serve, joining the United States Marine Corps in cryptology. He returned home disciplined, deliberate in speech, and carrying the identity of a Marine for the rest of his life.

Charlie built his career in the emerging world of computers in the 1970s, founding and later selling his own business in New Orleans. He continued working from home into his mid-seventies. He approached work the same way he approached life: methodical and dependable.

He became the devoted father of three children: Tamra (Tammy), Laura, and Michael. After his first marriage ended, he raised his children on his own, loving them loyally and without condition. He remained close to their maternal family, with whom he built a camp on Lake St. Catherine, especially Hazel, his former mother-in-law, with whom he maintained a devoted bond until her death.

He was deeply proud of his children. His son, Michael, carries many of his father’s traits — steadiness, loyalty, and quiet strength — and their bond was one of deep mutual respect. His daughter, Laura, married Mike Pritchard, a Marine and US Secret Service agent whom Charlie quickly embraced. Their immediate bond brought Charlie real comfort, knowing his cherished daughter was in strong and loving hands.

He was predeceased by his eldest daughter, Tammy, whose passing at age 34 was a grief he bore quietly for the rest of his life.

In 1974, Charlie moved his family to Baton Rouge, where he found what he called his second family—a circle of former Marines, military helicopter pilots, and special forces operators who gathered every Friday night for five decades. Known as the “Bangladesh” group, they met for cards, dice, stories, and laughter. Membership was by invitation, and over time the circle widened to welcome veterans of later wars. If you belonged, you simply showed up.

It was not a place for reliving sorrows, but for belonging — where burdens could be set down without explanation. Their annual crawfish boil became legendary, drawing members and family from faraway places. His dear friend Mike Johnson always hosted the boil with extraordinary generosity. Mike, a former Green Beret, built a small bar in a room off his office so the group would always have a place to gather.

Mike Johnson passed away on Veterans Day last year. We trust he was there in heaven to welcome Charlie home.

In 1998, a friendship of more than 30 years was rekindled when Carol Schlottman returned home from Oklahoma. They married in 2001 and remained devoted until his passing. Carol was faithfully by his side when he died.

Family remained central to Charlie’s life. He adored his stepmother, Lillian; his stepsister, Beverly; and his half-sisters, Elaine, Cheryl, and Ann. He remained especially close to his nephews, Ovid Davis and Guy Lain (and his wife, Lauren).

In his final years, Parkinson’s disease took a heavy toll on his body. His sister Elaine, a devoted hospice caregiver in the vein of their mother’s nursing spirit, carried the daily burden of his care with fierce loyalty and grit. She agreed to do it for 6 months….it turned into 6 years. The family is blessed by her devotion.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Louise Stokes; his stepmother, Lillian Stokes; his sisters Audrey Fossier and Chris Lain; his stepsister Beverly Rappold; and his daughter, Tamra Stokes.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Stokes; his daughter Laura and her husband Mike Pritchard; his son Michael Stokes; his step-son Brian Schlottman; his grandchildren Cory Finch, Emily Weaver, Paul Casey Stokes, Faith Stokes, and Skyler and Haylee Franks; his sisters Elaine Stokes, Cheryl Perrett, and Ann Stokes; and a wide circle of extended family and his “Bangladesh” friends.

Charlie was known above all for his great intellect — a disciplined mind and clear judgment that guided him through life. Yet alongside that intellect was a steady acceptance of people as they were. Those who loved him will remember not only how smart he was, but how loyal, steady, and quietly devoted he remained throughout his life.

He will be deeply missed.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. George Catholic Church, 7808 St. George Drive, St. George, Louisiana 70809, with Father Ye officiating.

A brief visitation will be held on April 17th from 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., immediately prior to the Mass at 12:00 p.m.

Charlie was cremated. Following the service, his children will host a buffet luncheon and warmly invite family and friends to join them and Charlie’s widow, Carol Stokes, in gathering to share food, stories, and fellowship.

For additional information, the church office may be reached at (225) 293-1298.