Howard Vokes

Howard D. Vokes passed away Sunday, June 3, 2018. He was born June 13, 1931, to the late Benjamin George Vokes and the late Agnes Rose Vokes. Howard was the oldest of 13 children. He was a pioneer of country music and was often referred to as Pennsylvania's King of Country Music. He had his own band, "Howard Vokes and the Country Boys", and recorded several songs over the years. His hit songs played on various radio stations across the country and Canada. He owned two record companies, "Vokes Records" and "Country Boys Records", and wrote more than 500 songs in his lifetime. He was a mainstay in the local country entertainment circuit around the area for years at the Edna Hotel, The Griltz Hotel, the Logan's Ferry Heights Fire Hall and numerous jamborees all over Pennsylvania. He is survived by his eight children, Howard D. Vokes Jr. (Dee), Martha L. Bellin (Tex), Victoria Gregg-Hack (Roy), Benjamin J. Vokes (Donna), Gladys E. Sublinsky (Kenneth), Agnes R. Polak (Joseph), Sharon Nealer and William Vokes. Howard is also survived by his brothers, Eugene, Butch and Arthur, and sisters, Jane, Barb, Josie and Connie. He has 18 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his loving wife, Martha, companion, Dorothy, brothers, Glenn, Joseph and Martin, and sisters, Betty Ann and Peggy. Family and friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the RJ SLATER IV FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE, 724-335-0100, 1000 Freeport Road, New Kensington. The Rev. Randy Byers will lead us in services at 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Gravesite services will be private and for family only per Howard's wishes. www.rjslater.com.