Lt. Col. Marion Oce “MO” Stokes, 92, of Maryville, Tennessee passed away Sunday, October 11, 2026, with his wife and eldest daughter at his side.

He was born on February 12, 1934, in West Frankfort, Illinois. His family moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee in July 1944 when his father joined the Manhattan Project. There, he met the love of his life, Norma Jean Clayton. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, he joined the United States Air Force in 1954. During leave from pilot training, he married Norma in Rossville, Georgia on December 24, 1954.

Marion earned his wings with the class of 55-U. As a fighter pilot, he defended his homeland, serving across the continent from Arizona to Alaska, the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf Coast and Canada. In 1968, he did a tour in Southeast Asia with the 56th Air Commando Wing, flying combat missions over Laos in addition to training Hmong Pilots. He retired from the Air Force in 1976. He began a second career in purchasing and vendor compliance with Union Carbide (Later Lockheed-Martin). He retired a second time in 1996. In 1999, Mo and Norma moved to Maryville, with a view of their beloved Smoky Mountains.

Marion’s life centered around his family, particularly, his wife, Norma. He was the Rock of his family and was always there for his daughters and grandchildren. He enjoyed cookouts with his family, quiet Saturday nights listening to country music with his wife, and gospel music on Sunday mornings. During his retirement Mo enjoyed traveling with Norma to various reunions related to his time in the military. This included the Air Commando Association and the F-86 Sabre Pilots Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Lois (Shaw) Stokes; sisters, Mona Faye Craig, Devota Monette Morrison, and Naomi Jean Stokes; grandson, Joseph William Lemons; and great-grandson, Elliot James Ruddy.

Mo is survived by his wife of 71 years, Norma; daughters, Cathy Jean Lemons and Tina Kay Holder (Kevin); grandchildren, Jeremy Ruddy (Diana), Jonah Ruddy (Julie), Jamison Lemons and Caitlin Holder; and great-grandchildren, Tristan Ruddy, Declan Ruddy, and Sophia Ruddy. He is also survived by his brothers, Lloyd Stokes (Betty) and Jack Stokes (Cora); brothers-in-law, Don Craig and Harvey Clayton (Bonnie); sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn King and Tonie Thornton; and many nieces and nephews.

He will be greatly missed, and we take comfort in the hope that we will one day be reunited with him in the presence of our Lord.