Robert Oakes' Obituary
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 Church. Inurnment will be in the St. John's Church columbarium. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the St. John's Episcopal Church or to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Bob was born on June 26, 1928 in Soper, OK a son of Edgar Omega and Annie Marie (Rives) Oakes. He served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War. Bob earned his bachelor's degree from Millikin University and his master's degree from the University of Illinois. Robert and Constance Bennett were married on July 17, 1954 in the Church of Holy Communion in Maywood, IL. Bob spent his entire career in education, including 33 years in the Decatur Public Schools. He retired in 1988 after 19 years as the District 61 Superintendent of Schools. Bob was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church for over twenty five years, where he served as Parish Warden.
Surviving are his wife Constance of Decatur, daughters- Elizabeth Ann Crowder of Germantown, TN and Margaret Jane Oakes of Greenville, SC, sister- Betty Lyles and her husband Roy of Hugo, OK, grandchildren- Martha Ann Crowder, Aaron John Crowder, John Robert Tillman and Peter Bennett Tillman, sister-in-law- Barbara Bennett of Pewaukee, WI and brother-in-law- James Bennett and his wife Jane of Villa Park, IL.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and four sisters.
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