Obituary of Roger P Oakes

Brasher Falls- Mr. Roger P. Oakes, 78, passed away Sunday August 7, 2016 at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburg, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. Arrangements are entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Roger was born in Stockholm on May 11, 1938 to the late Charles E. and Bessie L. (Williams) Oakes. He was raised and educated locally, earning his GED from Potsdam High School. On March 21, 1959 he married his soul mate, Leona Blair at St. Patrick Church Rectory in Brasher Falls with Fr. Herbert Hannan officiating. They shared in a devoted union and friendship for 57 years. Never having any children, they were blessed with many nieces and nephews who they cherished and cared for as their own. He proudly served his country as a Vietnam Era Veteran in the US ARMY; first entering in 1961 and earning an honorable discharge in 1963 and again serving from 1974 to 1976. For many years, Roger was self-employed operating Oakes Trucking in Brasher Falls. He also had his own band called “Roger Oakes and the Mocking Birds” where he played lead guitar and vocals. He was very passionate about country music, and played many string instruments, however the guitar was his favorite. Roger liked antique cars and in earlier years, enjoyed bowling and playing old timer’s softball. Family was very important to him as he loved to spoil his nieces and nephews. He is survived by his wife, Leona, his sister Geraldine Willoughby of Hudson, his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Wayne Ashley of Massena, many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly, as well as several great nieces and great nephews. Besides his parents, Roger was predeceased by 2 sisters: Elmyra C. Jock, and Charlotte M. Webb, and 4 brothers: Francis J., Gordon C., Harvey J., and Lawrence E. Oakes. Visitation will be Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Hammill Funeral Home. Rogers Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:00am at St. Patrick Church in Brasher Falls. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the parish cemetery. For those wishing to express an act of kindness memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.hammillfh.com.