Ricky "Pa" Abbot Stokes, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend; passed away peacefully at home in his recliner on November 27, 2024. His love, dedication, and devotion will forever be missed.

Ricky was born to John "Chic" Morgan Stokes and Ruth Bernice Stokes in Ft. Worth, TX, on March 28, 1953. He was the youngest boy of four siblings. While the son of a ranch foreman took him all over, he graduated from Hereford High School, and while speaking of his youth, often had stories of Hereford.

On July 17, 1982, Ricky married the love of his life, Gladys Mapp. They spent their lives working hard, raising and providing for family, travelling, and eventually spoiling grandkids, the true joy of their lives.

Ricky worked for the Bar-H Ranch, Andrew Corporation, and Bishop Energy. While always a cowboy at heart, he was passionate about all his professional endeavors, and never hesitated to bend an ear talking about them. We would give anything to hear just one more story.

Ricky made many lasting friendships throughout the years, whether it be through his kid's and grandkid's sports, work, or cutting horse events. He was always so grateful for those friendships.

Once retired, he got back to his cowboy roots and truly enjoyed training and showing his beloved cutting horse, Maizey. His true passion though, was his grandkids. He was a loving and devoted Grandpa and found so much joy in spending time with and spoiling his grandkids. Those memories will always be cherished.

Ricky is preceded in death by his loving wife, Gladys; father, John "Chic" Stokes; mother, Bernice Stokes; brother, Robert Stokes; and beloved grandson, Nicholas Thompson. He is survived by his sons, Jimmy Thompson and wife Dee, Brian Thompson and wife Jennifer, and Bo Stokes and wife Courtney; brother, Jim Tom Stokes and wife Linda; and sister, Mary Stokes; beloved grandchildren, Briana Thompson, Luke Stokes, Leighton Stokes, Noah Hall, Joshua Hall, and Jade Thompson; along with many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held in his honor on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 5-7 pm at Mulkey-Bowles-Montgomery Funeral Home, located at 705 North Locust Street, Denton, TX 76201.

A service will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Ponder, located at 101 South FM 156, Ponder, TX, 76259.

Ricky will be laid to rest by his wife of 40 years at Jackson Cemetery in Krum, TX following the service.