Harvel Loyd Stokes, 81, of Niles died Monday, Feb. 8, 2010 at Silverbrook Manor in Niles of natural causes.

He was born Aug. 15, 1928 in McCroy, Ark. He has lived here since 1952. On April 1, 1969 in South Bend he married Betty Stokes, who survives in Niles.

He was the owner of Phillips 66 in South Bend. Harvel was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran. He is loved and will be missed by all who knew him and he will be held here in our hearts.

Harvel is survived by his wife, Betty; son, Robert Stokes of South Bend; stepsons, Harry Brooks of East Jordan, Mich., Delbert Brooks of Plymouth, Ind. and Fred Brooks of Plymouth, Ind.; daughter, Lana May of Rochester, Ind.; stepdaughter, Rosemary Jackson of Niles; brother, Harold Stokes of Niles; sisters, Brenda Skiles of Cape Coral, Fla. and Ruth Ann Baugher, Walkerton, Ind.; 18 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Lorrena Stokes; four brothers; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.