Ned H. Stokes - Home Page #2

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF NED H. STOKES

NED HAROLD STOKES was born September 23, 1922 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He received his early education in the Southmont Borough Schools and completed his final year at Johnstown Central High School. While at Southmont, Ned was a cheerleader and also played trumpet in the band. With a few classmates, he formed a "Swing Band" -- short lived, however, much to the relief of family and neighborhood. While attending Johnstown Central High in his last year, he was pleased to have been part of the marching band which obtained first place honors for marching, and playing, in a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C.

In 1942, after the outbreak of World War II, Ned enlisted in the U.S. Navy. From March 1943 to May 1945 he served as Machinist Mate 2c. aboard the destroyer USS Shubrick (DD 639). Ned's tour of duty covered areas of the American, North Atlantic, Mediterranean and Pacific theaters of operations. During the European and Mediterranean tours (1943-1945) his ship participated in the Sicily, Normandy (D-Day 1944) and Southern France Invasions. His ship was bombed during operations at Palermo, Sicily, receiving extensive damage and casualties, requiring it to be towed to the island of Malta for temporary repairs in drydock before it could return to the States under its own power. After the European theater was well in hand, the Shubrick was ordered to proceed thru the Panama Canal to Okinawa, Japan for operations. On 26 May of 1945 Ned was ordered to return to stateside for reassignment to the USS Wm. R. Rush (DD 714) and completed his tour of duty aboard this ship, being honorably discharged in August of 1946. (Battle engagements of the USS Shubrick have been written and published in the books "Tin Cans" and "The U.S. Navy in World War II".)
For a history of the USS Shubrick in WWII click here: LilHoke's Home Page

Soon after entering service, Ned married ELLA EMILIE STORTZ October 11, 1942. Following the war he returned to civilian life, working for Bethlehem Steel Co. in Johnstown. In 1947 Ned began his engineering career in 1947 working for H. F. Lenz, Co. in Johnstown and attending night school to learn engineering drafting. He and his family moved to Pittsburgh in 1956 where he continued his career in engineering, working with several firms until 1989. For a brief period he was Chief Mechanical Engineer and Director of Environmental Services for Michael Baker, Jr., Inc. Through his experience, and by additional study, Ned is proud that he was able to obtain a professional engineering license, without the benefit of a college education, and by passing the state examinations. Subsequently, he had obtained registration in six other states. Ned had gained proficiency in composition and writing and has presented several technical papers for engineering societies. In 1979 Ned found employment in Monroe, Michigan with Detroit Stoker Company where he worked until retirement in 1989. He wrote and produced two technical video training programs for Ford Motor Co. for use in training their plant personnel. His occupation and travels for consulting work have provided him with friends and associates throughout the United States, Canada, Alaska and in France and England. Though retired, he continues to provide consulting engineering services and work with his computer to keep busy.

Shortly after military service Ned's mother taught him to sing. He used this musical talent at church and charitable organizations. He enjoyed also occasionally playing the "Night Club" circuit with his father, Horace. Ned is a Master Mason and also directed his church choir for a few years -- never "accepting a cent for church work".

Ned and Ella had the following six children: Shelby Kaye (Stokes) Carmack, Ned Harold, Jr., James Karl, Timothy George, Jay Kevin and Leslie Jean (Stokes) Mankey. Shelby was born during World War II at a time when her father was home on leave from the European Theater. Ned and Ella were divorced in 1975.

Ned married Helen Marie (Miller) Waugh August 29, 1975. She was born September 2, 1920 in Ava, Arkansas. She has two children: Carole (Waugh) Holliday and Wm. D. Waugh, Jr. Helen loves to cook and attend to her back yard garden, growing flowers and vegetables for the table. An excellent seamstress, she had always made all her own clothes and an occasional sport coat for Ned. Ned, no longer able to play golf because of a back condition, works around the house doing repairs, additions and woodwork projects when he is not doing consulting engineering or working with his computer. Together they attend church regularly. Ned, had been active in the Exchange Club of Monroe, Mich., as a director and officer. He had also served on his church council and the Monroe Country Club board of directors. He has renewed his membership in the Sons of The American Revolution having first been a charter member of the Johnstown Chapter in 1947. Currently writing his memoirs, he is also keeping sister Elinetta's genealogical book, "A Family History", updated and printed for the family members.

His current interest is also centered around their classic automobile, attending auto shows and cruises in the Butler and Pittsburgh ares. Many first and second place trophys adorn the shelves of their Family Room.