Thanking Long-Term Volunteer, Mr. Willie Stoker, for 26 Years of Delivering Senior Meals
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • October 7, 2021
You will be greatly missed!
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) celebrates a longtime volunteer, Mr. Willie A. Stoker, who is retiring from delivering meals for our meals on wheels program to East Texas residents. Mr. Stoker started delivering meals in 1994 and is known for his dependability, trustworthiness, thoughtfulness, and being on time.
“Mr. Stoker is highly respected by all that have worked with him,” said AAA staff. “His clients love him dearly, and he goes out of his way to get their meals delivered every week. He is like the rural postman. Neither rain, shine, sleet, or snow keeps him from his appointed rounds on Wednesday of every week.”
“Mr. Stoker is a calm and understanding man,” said Robert Dunn. “He was my first babysitter, and he handled us with firm but fun discipline. A valuable friend of mine.”
Mr. Stoker’s most recent route is Harrison County, where he delivers meals to 21 residents. While retiring has always been on his mind, he would change his mind. He would tell the meal-site manager, Mrs. Bonnie, “I don’t think the Lord is ready for me to retire. This keeps me going, and I love doing it, so I am going to keep on delivering meals for a little while longer.”
She said he is welcome back anytime.
Born in Harleton, Mr. Stoker grew up in East Texas and graduated from H.B. Pemberton High School in Marshall in 1961.
During his life, he worked various jobs and retired from the Darco Company in 1994. In his personal life, he serves as a Deacon in his church. Mr. Stoker has been married for 58 years, is a father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.
“I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Stoker, and he is an awesome man with stories that you wanted to believe,” said Linda Calip. “I wish him the best. God bless you.”
The AAA wants to commend and personally thank Mr. Stoker for being a dedicated volunteer for meals on wheels for over 26 years. He will be greatly missed.
Assistance is available to find and compare 2027 health and drug plans now.
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas is partnering with First Christian Church in Jacksonville to offer a free Benefits & Estate Planning Presentation for Seniors and Caregivers. The informative workshop will be held Thursday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at the First Christian Church Sanctuary, 1920 Beaumont Street in Jacksonville. Presented by Paul Zambie, Managing Attorney with Texas Legal Services Center, the session will help attendees better understand legal and planning issues that can affect older adults and their families. Topics will include wills and trusts, deeds, transfer-on-death deeds, long-term care Medicaid, Medicaid estate recovery, and senior services. This free presentation is designed to give seniors and caregivers practical information to help prepare for life’s challenges and make informed decisions about the future. For more information, contact the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at 903-218-6500 or 1-800-442-8845.
