Jerry Oakes

SIKESTON -- William Jerry Oakes, 57, died at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 1, 2008, at his home following an extended illness.

Born Sept. 23, 1950, at Luxora, Ark., son of the late William Daniel and Hazel Helen Collins Oakes, he had been a farmer for Wagner Farms near Sikeston and was a member of the New Life Christian Center at Morley.

On July 11, 1970, at Benton, he married Theresa Jane Graham who survives of the home.

Other survivors include: three sons, Eddie L. Graham of Sikeston, William J. Oakes Jr. of Burfordville and Terry W. Oakes of the home; one brother, Stephen Oakes of Sikeston; seven sisters, Marva Oakes and Barbara Haley of Sikeston, Charlotte Vincent of Dexter, Debra Blagg of Benton, Cindy Palen and Lisa Donmeyer of Rockford, Ill., and Janice Booth of Vanduser; and 11 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, William Perry Oakes; one brother, James Daniel Oakes; and one sister, Beverly Quay Oakes.

The body was cremated. A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at the New Life Christian Center at Morley with the Rev. Don Russell, pastor, officiating.

Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.