William Oakes

SIKESTON, Mo. -- William Jerry Oakes, 57, of Sikeston died Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, at home following an extended illness.

He was born Sept. 23, 1950, at Luxora, Ark., son of the late William Daniel and Hazel Helen Collins Oakes. He and Theresa Jane Graham were married July 11, 1970, at Benton, Mo.

Oakes was a farmer for Wagner Farms near Sikeston. He was a member of the New Life Christian Center at Morley, Mo.

Survivors include his wife of Sikeston; three sons, Eddie I. Graham of Sikeston, William J. Oakes Jr. of Burfordville, Terry W. Oakes of the home; a brother, Stephen Oakes of Sikeston; seven sisters, Marva Oakes, Barbara Haley, both of Sikeston, Charlotte Vincent of Dexter, Mo., Debra Blagg of Benton, Cindy Palen, Lisa Donmeyer, both of Rockford, Ill., Janice Booth of Vanduser, Mo.; and 11 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, a brother and a sister.

The body was cremated.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the New Life Christian Center in Morley. The Rev. Don Russell will officiate.

Nunnelee Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.