Max A. Stoker

1927 - 2012

Max A. Stoker obituary, 1927-2012

BORN

1927

DIED

2012

FUNERAL HOME

Donald L. Barber Funeral Home - Homer

5016 US Route 11

Homer, New York

Max Stoker Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 22, 2012.

Max A. Stoker, 85, of Rob San Dr., Homer, passed away on November 20, 2012 while under the care of Hospice and his loving family.

A lifelong area resident, he was born February 3, 1927 a son of the late Alson C. and Carrie F. McConnell Stoker.

Max honorably served in the US Army from March 27, 1945-September 30, 1946 as a paratrooper in World War II.

He married his first wife Shirley Cook in 1948 and purchased his own dairy farm in 1955. In 1962, he won the Cortland County Outstanding Young Farmers Award and finished second place at the state level. He retired from farming in the late 1980's and Shirley predeceased him in 1989.

Max was a longtime and active member of the Scott United Methodist Church, where he co-chaired the rebuilding of the church and was instrumental in the establishment of the Scott Senior Center. He was also an associate member of the Preble Congregational Church.

He served as Cortland County Legislator for 21 years, retiring in 2001; he served on the Homer School Board, Cortland Bulk Board, Scott Town Board, Industrial Development Agency and the Soil Conservation Board.

Max was a life-member of the Homer Grange and a longtime member of the David Harum Senior Center. He served on the Board of Directors for Atwater Cemetery, served as a RSVP Volunteer for Meals on Wheels for 20 years, the Older American Advisory Council and the Board of Directors for the Salvation Army and served on the County Nutrition Program.

He was the Emeritus Director for the Central Co-Op Insurance Board and was retired from the State Advisory Board for the Office of the Aging, an appointment made by former Governor George Pataki.

For all of Max's hard work and devotion to civic affairs, he was honored in 2007 as the Cortland County Senior of the Year.

A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to many, Max was a humble, kind man with a great sense of humor. He loved God and his family above all else.

Surviving is his wife of 20 years, Marilyn Twentyman Stoker; four daughters, Janice (Sam) Cincotta of Cortland; Connie (James) Meisner of Saratoga Springs; Nancy Ruscio (Joseph; deceased son-in-law) of Cortland and Brenda (Frank) Struder of Cary, NC; step-children, Ellen Shirley and Dan (Patricia) Twentyman both of Tully; Shari (Dan) Raymond of Cortland and Loribeth (Paul) Dalton of Las Vegas, NV. Also, 22 Grandchildren, 21 Great Grandchildren, his sister, Barbara Crandall of Cortland, sister-in-law, Jean Stoker of Little York and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his first wife, Shirley, he was predeceased by three brothers; Charles, Dale and Ralph 'Bud' Stoker, two sisters, Dorothy Sweeney and Shirley LeFever and two granddaughters; Maxine Eaton and Korilyn Struder.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 26, 2012 at the Scott United Methodist Church, 6816 State Route 41, with Pastor John Aukema and Pastor Rebecca West co-officiating. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow in Scott Union Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 4-8 p.m. at the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 N. Main St., Homer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Stoker's memory can be made to the Endowment Fund at the Scott United Methodist Church, 6816 State Route 41, Homer, NY 13077, the Endowment Fund at the Preble Congregational Church, 1953 Preble Rd., Preble, NY 13141 or the Cortland County Nutrition Program, County Office Building, 60 Central Ave., Cortland, NY 13045.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Max Stoker

What is your first memory of Max?

Share a favorite memory you have of Max.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Max.

Describe a time when Max made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Max?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Max.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Max.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Max.

What is something you learned from Max?

Not sure what to say?

January 24, 2013

It was a privilege to know Max Stoker. He and his family are in my prayers.
Sandra Stoker Gilliland

November 27, 2012

Lolly Paice

What a wonderful life. Full of doing for others and honoring our country. I wish I had had a chance to get to know this wonderful man. We are so sorry for your loss, but knowing he is in Gods Hands hopefully makes it a little easier for all of you.

November 26, 2012

If there was ever a time in my life I would like to return to, it would be the summers that I spent working for Max on the farm. He was a good man, and a good uncle. My thoughts are with you all.
John Farewell

November 26, 2012

Lynda Sweet

My thoughts and sympathies are with you all. Max was a wonderful man and great neighbor.

Posted by Lynda Sweet

November 26, 2012

Connie, my sympathies to you and your family.
Lynn Thorsson Jakubec

November 25, 2012

John and Sally Cook

Dear Marilyn, Janice, Connie, Nancy, Brenda and families: We are so very sorry about losing Max. He was a wonderful husband and father, brother-in-law and friend. We have wonderful memories of him and Shirley as we were dating, married, visiting, Cook reunions, etc. It was great to meet you too, Marilyn. So happy you and Max had 20 good years together. Our deepest sympathy is with you all. We will miss him and never forget him. With love, Uncle John and Aunt Sally

November 25, 2012

Claire Rutherford

Dear Marilyn
So Sorry to hear of Max's passing, I enjoyed the many years at the New York State Magistrates conferences with Max and his great humor and also our wonderful social times. God Bless you and your family

November 25, 2012

Mary and Bernie

Dear All-

We are all better people for having had Uncle Max in our lives. His gentle humor, kind touch and willingness to listen will be missed by all who knew him.

Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

November 25, 2012

Tacie & Rol Anderson

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Uncle Max always made us smile and feel happy in his presence. He gave so much of himself to help others. He was a very special man who meant everything to his family. We will always love him and hold a special place for him in our hearts.

November 24, 2012

Susie and Steven Hubbard

I grew up going from the Stoker house to visit my best friend and then back to our house with her! Max was and always will be special in my heart. Brenda is just like a sister to me and I feel her pain in losing her Dad. He was a great man, kind and loving to me always. Marilyn is a wonderful lady and I'm so glad they had each other for the past 20 years. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family as they mourn the passing of their husband and father. May God Bless you all.

November 24, 2012

Jane Heath Wilson

Connie,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. He has certainly left a wonderful legacy that will be carried in the hearts of many for years to come. Please relay my deepest condolences to your sisters and the entire Stoker Family.

November 23, 2012

Nina (Bean) Dickinson

Dad and I both extend our deepest sympathy to each of the family members and dear friends. Max was a wonderful man and a great supporter of many wonderful programs. May God bring you strong arms to support you, loving hearts to bring you peace and each other to bring you comfort. Nina and Tom

November 23, 2012

Donna Stoker

I have wonderful memories of Max at Stoker Family Reunions as well as running into him around town. He was a very warm and precious man. My condolences to Marilyn and his entire family.

November 23, 2012

Virginia Ruscio

My love and prayers are with Marilyn and Nancy and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Max was a very sweet man.

November 23, 2012

Dear Mrs. Stoker and family: We would like to express our sincere sympathy to you and your whole family. Max can be described in a few words...a true gentleman...Our prayers are with you.....Tom and Colleen Vaughan

November 23, 2012

One of the most loyal and faithful men you could know, you could always count on Max, our love and prayers are with you and the rest of the family Marilyn, Tom and Dianne Chappell, Colton, NY

November 23, 2012

Teresa Sobolewski

My thoughts and prayers are with all of Max's family. He was a great man and will be missed by many.

November 22, 2012

Chaplain Richard Reuer

I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time. On behalf of a grateful nation and an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one, if you wish for a personalized memorial card mailed to you with history of playing of taps, 21 gun salutes, meaning of each fold of the flag as a keepsake, please send your request to:
Chaplain Richard Reuer, Honoring Those Who Served Ministry
1206 6th St SW
Minot, ND 58701
Or click on CONTACT ME to email your mailing address for which card be mailed to.

This service is free to all veteran families. I wish to thank you for your serving from one veteran to another - Thanks!

Posted by Chaplain Richard Reuer

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Make a Donation
in Max Stoker's name

Memorial Events
for Max Stoker

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Donald L. Barber Funeral Home - Homer

5016 US Route 11, Homer, NY 13077

How to support Max's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Max Stoker's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more