Joe D. Oakes

Joe Duane Oakes, 94, of Ottawa, Kansas passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Rock Creek Assisted Living in Ottawa, Kansas. He was born August 19, 1931 in Ottawa, Kansas the son of John Henry Oakes and Vilena Mae (Gates) Oakes. 

He married Ravenna Peterson, from this union three children, Brian, Bradley and Melanie were born. They later divorced.

Joe proudly served our country in the United States Army during Korea from 1951 to 1953.  He received the Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Foreign Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars.   

Joe married Nancy Lucille Hodges on February 14, 1978 in Ottawa, Kansas.  They shared nearly thirty-six years of marriage before the passing of Nancy on December 20, 2013.

Joe worked as a Pressman for Valassis Printing and the Kansas Color Press for many years. He worked several jobs in his younger years and later worked for NAPA Auto Parts in Ottawa. Joe loved cars. He enjoyed working on them and was known for always trading them in for a new one.

He was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church and V.F.W. Post 5901, both in Ottawa, Kansas.

Joe enjoyed visiting with family and friends; watching old westerns; having a cup of coffee throughout the day; eating a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup while washing it down with a Sprite.  He will be remembered for joking around with loved ones and his easy-going personality. 

Mr. Oakes was preceded in death by his parents, John and Vilena Oakes; wife, Nancy; two brothers, Glen and Roger Oakes; two sisters, Wilma Brown and Lavina Daniel; and a son, Bradley Oakes.

Surviving family includes a son, Brian Oakes and wife, Dawn of Lake Elsinore, CA; a daughter, Melanie Klamet of Lawrence, KS; brother-in-law, Glenn Daniel of Ottawa, KS; four grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A private family Graveside service will be held at a later date at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, KS.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Lutheran Church and may be sent in c/o the Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067.  Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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