Richard Stokan

February 12, 1940 - September 18, 2021

Richard. V. Stokan Sr. 81 of Bad Axe passed away Saturday, September 18, 2021 at McLaren Hospital in Port Huron following a short illness. Richard was born February 12, 1940 in Port Huron to Elton and Leora Randall Stokan. He graduated from Port Huron High in 1958. Richard spent most of his time in Bad Axe at his grandparents’ house, and also in Port Austin at the family’s cottage. He went into the army in August 1959 and was stationed in Fort Sill Oklahoma. He married Judy Chappel on June 18, 1960 and just celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this past June. He returned to Bad Axe in 1962 where he worked several jobs including Dibble’s department store, a paper route, and Hammill manufacturing making seatbelts all while being a part time Huron County Sheriff’s Department deputy. In 1972, he decided to run for sheriff and took office January 1, 1973. Richard was the Huron County Sheriff for 16 years before taking A job with the Michigan’s Sheriff’s Association. He later took a part-time job delivering parts which he absolutely loved because it combined his love of driving and talking. Richard always had horses and loved them dearly. Over the years he downsized from Belgians and Percherons to Haflingers. In 2011, the Stokan family along with the Dumaw family started showing Haflingers competitively. Richard was able to drive single, double, unicorn and the four horse hitches competitively. He was a lifetime member of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Bad Axe, a member of the Huron Community Fair Board for many years, a member of both Michigan Sheriff’s Association and the National Sheriff’s Association, VP of the Thumb Area Haflinger Association and a life time member of the Hubbard - Winsor Lodge No. 420 F & AM. Surviving is his wife of 61 years Judy (Chappel) Stokan of Bad Axe. Three children - Sally Stokan and Sue Morell of Bad Axe and Richard (Wendy) Stokan of Rochester Hills. Six grandchildren Nicholas Stokan, Jasmine (Zack) Robertson, Tara (Chris) Williams, Tony (Leah) Ryckman and Dan (Lisa) Ryckman and Leslie Ryckman. 15 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Brother-in-law John Chappel, sisters-in-law Nancy Chappel and Linda Stokan, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also his best pal Gizmo. Preceding in death were his parents, Elton and Leora Stokan, Sister- Carol Stokan-Krohn. Brother - David Stokan. Grandson Jimmy Morell. In-laws - Harriet and Clare Chappel, Sisters and brothers-in-law - Janet and Gary Christner, Marjorie and Lawrence Langley and brother-in-law William Chappel. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 11 am at the Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Colfax Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 2 – 8 pm at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe or Wednesday at the church from 10 am until the service time at 11 am. Memorials may be offered to the Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church.