OKEECHOBEE — The Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee inducted two new members into its Hall of Fame during what has become an annual Hall of Fame luncheon. The club began inducting members in 2018 when they welcomed an inaugural class of five members.

This year, charter member Al Stokes was inducted posthumously along with current Okeechobee Mayor Dowling Watford Jr.

Stokes was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee, which became an official chapter of the Kiwanis Club in 1971. He was the owner of WOKC radio and began longstanding Kiwanis Club traditions such as the Kiwanis Club Radio Auction, which still happens today. The late Mr. Stokes served in the Navy during World War II and, upon moving to Okeechobee from Fort Pierce in the mid-1960s, became the chamber director and helped start up the Speckled Perch Festival.

Stokes was represented by his son Rick during the Hall of Fame luncheon, and he spoke to the club about his father’s love of Kiwanis.

Watford joined the Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee in 1978 and has been one of the most involved members for 48 years. Watford is a past president of the club and current secretary. The mayor has attended virtually every general meeting, board meeting and club event during his time with the club.

Watford gave the introductory speech for Stokes before Kiwanis member Greg Thogerson gave the introductory speech for Watford. The event was held at the First United Methodist Church.

Stokes and Watford join past inductees Red Larson, Jack Wolff, Don Kelly, Donna Enrico, Dick Blair, Gene O’Neill and Darrel Enfinger in the Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee Hall of Fame.