Gary Lee Nokes, 71

A memorial service for Gary Lee Nokes, 71, of Ava, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2020, at Ava Family Funeral Home in Ava. Mr. Nokes died March 13 at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center in Ava. 

He was born Sept. 3, 1948,  in Springfield, the son of John A. and Maxine Barnum Nokes.  After growing up in Idaho, Gary graduated from Ava High School. He married Theta Clayton and worked for 25 years at the Theodosia Marina as a boat mechanic and doing other jobs there as he was needed. He also worked at the Mansfield Steel Plant and in Saudi Arabia as a diesel mechanic. 

When his health permitted, hunting was a favorite pastime. He was a master at playing solitaire on the computer. He enjoyed diving and retrieving items from Bull Shoals Lake.

He is survived by his wife, Theta; his son, T.J. Nokes; His daughter Honie Baldwin and husband Jack; his mother, Maxine Turner; one sister, Vicki Nokes; his Aunt Mary Lee; and several nieces and nephews and other family members as well as his special “buddy” Dave Eslinger.

He was preceded her in death by his father; two sisters, Sherry and Linda; and his stepfather, Weldon Turner.

The family would appreciate love offerings to help defray expenses.

Arrangements by Ava Family Funeral Home, Ava.