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.
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will join organizations across the nation in celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM), led by the Administration for Community Living, honoring the important contributions of older adults in our communities. This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” encourages older adults to focus on the steps they can take to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while highlighting the resources and community connections that help people age well. In recognition of Older Americans Month, AAA will host three special events at community locations across East Texas to celebrate older adults and share information about programs and services available to seniors and caregivers. Throughout the month of May, the Area Agency on Aging will also participate in additional events that promote the mental and physical health of our communities and recognize the many contributions older Americans have made, and continue to make, across the country. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary this year, Older Americans Month also offers an opportunity to reflect on the generations of older adults whose service, leadership, and life experiences have helped shape our nation, our state, and our local communities. “Older Americans Month is an important time to recognize the lasting contributions of older adults and the many ways they strengthen our communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. “This year’s theme, Champion Your Health, reminds us of the importance of supporting healthy aging by connecting older East Texans with resources, services, and opportunities that help them live well and remain engaged.” The following OAM celebration events are free and open to the public and will feature information on services and supports available to East Texas seniors: Friday, May 15 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM First Christian Church 1920 Beaumont St. Jacksonville, Texas 75766 Wednesday, May 20 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Marshall Convention Center 2501 E. End Blvd S. Marshall, Texas 75672 Thursday, May 21 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM First Methodist Church of Athens 225 Lovers Lane Athens, Texas 75751 The AAA is the region’s leader in advocacy and services for older adults, providing support such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, and the Ombudsman program for people living in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their homes and communities for as long as possible. For questions about the events, contact the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at (903) 218-6500.
The East Texas Area Agency on Aging (ETAAA), a program of the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG), is inviting the public to review and comment on our 2027 to 2029 Area Plan. ETAAA serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Planning and Service Area 4, a fourteen-county region in East Texas. The Area Plan outlines our strategy to strengthen the Aging Services Network and address the needs of people age 60 and older, family caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. It also guides how we plan, coordinate, and oversee services supported by the Older Americans Act and other state and local initiatives. Our mission is to serve as the region’s leader in advocating for and delivering services that enable older adults to live independently, with dignity and purpose, in their homes and communities. Our vision, “Age Well, Live Well, ” reflects a person-centered approach focused on better choices, improved health, and access to nutritious food. We call it “Serving One Senior at a Time.” The 2027–2029 Area Plan is guided by a needs assessment incorporating data, service trends, and stakeholder input. Key priority needs include access to home- and community-based services, caregiver support, transportation, nutrition and food security, social isolation, healthcare access and chronic disease management, and improved service coordination and system navigation. How to share your input Public comments will be accepted through April 26, 2026 . Submit comments by mail or email: Mail: Area Agency on Aging, 3800 Stone Road, Kilgore, TX 75662 Email: Colleen.Halliburton@etcog.org
