Clifford "Howard" Fokes, age 69, long time resident of Athens, Ohio passed away from a brief illness at Riverside Methodist Hospital on Saturday, February 22, 2025.  He was born in Uvalde, Texas to Jack Murrah Fokes and Dr. Joann Brauer Fokes and was very proud of his Texas roots.  His father and mother preceded him in death.

He is survived by his loving wife of twenty seven years, Schuyler (Sky) Cone; his sister, Jacquelyn Fokes of Athens, Ohio; and his faithful companion, Monty the cat.

Howard is also survived by his sisters-in-law Taylor Morrell (Jordan) and Robin Delp (Darren);

nieces and nephews Davis Cook Morrell, Margaret King Morrell, Frances Elizabeth Morrell, Nancy Delp Martin (Tyler), and Kendall Delp (Amanda); grand-niece and nephews, Millie Rae Martin, James Bryant Martin, and Declan Delp.

He leaves behind his Texas cousins; Katherine Mayfield Sellers, Carole Ann Brauer Dykema, Frederick William Brauer, Robert Louis Brauer, Beverly Phillips Scott, LeeAnn Phillips Weeks, Suzie Phillips McPhail, and John Morrow Phillips.

Howard was a graduate of Athens High School and Ohio University.  He was employed for a number of years in Facilities Management at Ohio U.  He then devoted his time, expertise, and energy to Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville, Ohio along with many volunteer hours to the Nelsonville Music Festival. Howard had wide circle of friends from his volunteer activities.

Howard loved working on his river house, motorcycles, and sports cars.  Above all else he loved his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.   Donations to Stuart's Opera House are appreciated in Howard's memory. Cremation arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.