Birth date: Jun 26, 1928 Death date: May 20, 2010
OAKES DECATUR- Robert Oakes, 81 of Decatur, passed away at 4:50 pm Thursday, May 20, 2010 at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Services to celebrate Bob's life will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at St. John's Episcopal Ch Read Obituary
In 8th grade I was a "student assistant" in the school office at Johns Hill Junior High. Principal Oakes had wonderful smile and treated all students with respect.
Connie – so sorry to read about Bob's death.(I was with Franklin Travel – now with Tour Group Pro)
Bob touched my life in many ways… as a friend, colleague, and churchman.. and, all in a very positive way!! He was truly one of a kind. Always calm, he quietly lead the district through some very traumatic times. His contributions to St. Johns were continuous and done in a very quiet and unassuming manner. He was always there to fill in where and when needed.It is so hard to express my feelings, .. Connie, Margaret and Elizabeth, please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Much love!! Eve
What a wonderful human being Bob was. I enjoyed getting to know him while driving back and forth to University of Illinois working on our masters degrees during the 50s. It was an honor to know him.My condolences to the family.
Margaret and Liz, I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you.Terri
Bob was an excellent school Superintendent and a great friend. My tenure as Superintendent of the Monticello School District ran about the same time as Bob's in the Decatur District.I always knew who to call when I had a problem. He always took time to help me assess the situation and come to a sensible conclusion.The many meetings, over the years, in the Decatur Office Building were very enjoyable and provided a great learning situation. Bob and his staff were of top quality.He will be missed.
Mr. Oakes was the superintendent while I was teaching at Roosevelt Middle School, and both daughters were in my classes. He was a wonderful person, and the most significant thing I remember about him was the fact that he seemed to know every employee in Decatur Public Schools. Whether he saw me at Roosevelt, the Keil Building, or in the grocery store, he always knew my name and face. That is rare in an administrator, and it made me feel special.I know you are missing him so much, but your comfort comes in knowing that you will be together in Heaven. Karen Rivera
Dear Connie, Liz, Martha, Aaron, Margaret, John and Peter, Our thoughts and our prayers are with you. We will miss Bob, too. We had the privilege of knowing him for many years as a friend, neighbor (twice: Who followed whom to Bay Shore?)and mentor. I'll never forget when Bob visited me in my classroom my first year of teaching with District 61. He always stopped to talk whenever he was in my building. Doug, Aidan and Kelsie still remember visiting with Bob when we walked by your house. I don't know who was more pleased when they were riding their bikes and weren't in the wagon and stroller any more, Doug, Aidan and Kelsie or Bob! We have many good memories of a wonderful man who touched our lives in a special way. We rejoice with you knowing that he is with our Lord and Savior that he so faithfully served and that we will see him again.
My deepest condolences to the Oakes family. I was fortunate to be in one of his first classes at Roosevelt Jr High many years ago. He was one of my favorite teachers.
I can't bring myself to call him Bob. To me Mr. Oakes was my teacher at Woodrow Wilson JH. He was a teacher and roll model to me I wish there were more like him. He directed the Decatur Schools thru a difficult time. Everytime I would here his name on the News I would get a smile. Now I also have retired after 30 years as a police officer.I knew him as a teacher and will miss him.Thank youMr. Oakes
