YOAKUM — Gordon Wayne Stukes, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Born on February 26, 1943, in Austin, Texas, he was the eldest of eight children of the late Gordon Marion Stukes and Martha Frances (Morriss) Stukes.
A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Mr. Stukes served during a pivotal moment in American history, stationed aboard a ship on standby off the Cuban coast during the Cuban Missile Crisis under President John F. Kennedy’s administration. After his military service, he worked for many years as a skilled carpenter and later followed in his father’s footsteps as a truck driver.
Mr. Stukes was known for his love of fishing and his deep affection for animals, especially the many dogs who shared his life over the years.
He is survived by his sons, Michael Wayne Stukes of Yoakum and Nicolas Sanchez of Indiana; his daughter, Lupe Sanchez Piro and husband Scott of Round Rock; four grandchildren; three sisters, Martha Jo Boutwell and husband George of Valley Mills, Carrie Lee Tarrant of Valley Mills, and Deborah Lynn Carswell and husband Bill of Kyle; and two brothers, Wesley Aaron Stukes of Valley Mills and Louis Alton Stukes of Yoakum.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Maria Stukes; and two sisters, Wyona Kay Rainosek and Sheila Rae Etoll.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home in Yoakum. Pastor Mona Martin will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.