Jon S Oakes

Jon Oakes, 76, father, grandfather, son, brother, nephew and uncle, passed away on September 10. He was born October 13, 1949, in Moorhead, Minnesota to DuWayne and Elva Oakes. He was the oldest of their five children. He graduated from Lakes High School and joined the Navy Reserves in June of 1968, being honorably discharged in April of 1969. He married Cynthia Looney and had two daughters, Aryn and Cara. Jon spent many years as a skilled craftsman in the building trades and was a member of the Carpenters Union since 1968. He developed skills in woodworking and construction, gaining hands-on training and experience in framing, drywall, metalwork, stair building, insulation, finish work, as well as boat building and barge work. In 1976, he briefly taught drywall and metal stud framing at Bates Community College. He took pride in working with his hands, and in building and creating things. He also shared his skills by helping family, friends and the lodges he belonged to with remodeling projects.

Jon was a proud member of the Eagles Lodge, Moose Lodge, and AMVETS. He especially valued his time with the Eagles, where he gave his time and service to the organization and his fellow members. He also enjoyed hunting, cars, and going to the drag races.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jerry and brothers-in-law Dale Failey, William “Bill” Bullatt II, and Marty Mitts. He is survived by his two children, Aryn Anderton (Craig), Cara Farley, seven grandchildren, Hannah (Jordan), Coleman (Dakota), Emma (Ben), Alison, Claire, Gwen, and Braeden; and seven great-grandchildren, as well as his siblings, Robert (Charlene), Kathleen (Landon), Mary, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, make a donation to your favorite charity.

A memorial service celebrating Jon's life will be held at the Eagles Lodge, 7037 S Pine St, Tacoma, on Saturday, September 26, at 11:00 a.m.