Obituary of Donald J. Oakes

Donald J. Oakes, 89, of Jamestown, passed away Wednesday December 11, 2019 in UPMC Chautauqua Hospital. He was born March 28, 1930 in Westfield, NY the son of the late Gerald and Essie Swingle Oakes. Donald was a veteran of the US Navy, serving from 1948 until 1953. In earlier years, he had been employed at Prudential Insurance, Crown Hill Stone in Westfield, Jerry Falwell Ministries, and for over 35 years worked with Sudan Interior Missions and the Rev. Billy Graham. He was a founding member of the Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jamestown and a member of the Westfield Fire Department. Surviving are his wife, Faith Denniston Oakes whom he married April 29, 1950 in Westfield, NY; two sons: Danny J. Oakes of Albuquerque, NM; Philip R. Oakes of Palm Springs, CA; a daughter Cynthia D. Oakes Carlson of Lakewood, NY; five grandchildren: Clint VanDewark of Honeoye, NY, Brian Steenburn of Naples, NY, Jason Oakes of Jamestown, NY, Kirk Oakes of North East, PA, Kimberley Kropf of Erie, PA; and seven great grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Jerry Best and Betty West Eckbloom. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Visitation will not be observed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.