Blog Post
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 2025 health and drug plans now
We can't wait to host hundreds of area nursing facility administrators, practitioners, caregivers, and others who work with seniors at our 33rd annual REACH Conference (Regional Education on Aging, Caregiving, and Healthcare) next month! The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) hosts the annual conference to provide educational workshops, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities. This year's conference will be held at Maude Cobb in Longview on October 2-3 and is ideal for professionals or caregivers serving older adults and persons with disabilities.
About Us
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas
is designated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to coordinate services for persons in East Texas who are 60 or older, with particular attention to low-income minority older individuals, older individuals with limited-English proficiency, and older individuals residing in rural areas.
1501 Pentecost Road
Kilgore, Texas 75662
1-800-442-8845
Deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-impaired customers may contact
Relay Texas: 800-735-2989 (TTY) and 711 (Voice).
Equal opportunity is the law.
Equal opportunity notice in English and Spanish
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