John David Oakes' Obituary
John David Oakes, 83, passed peacefully into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 12, 2025. Born in Middletown, Indiana, on July 29, 1941, John lived a life marked by a strong work ethic, dedication to his family and a generous spirit.
John grew up in Mechanicsburg, Indiana and graduated from Ball State University earning both his BS and MA degrees. After being honorably discharged from the Marines, he taught high school for 6 years before embarking on a 32 year career in banking with First Savings & Loan in Anderson, Indiana, and later continued in the banking industry in North Carolina and Tennessee, retiring from Union Planters Bank in 2001. He was known for integrity in his leadership and a tremendous love for his family.
He was the son of the late John Daniel and Nellie Easter (Sanders) Oakes and is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Linda Sue (Graybiel) Oakes. He is also survived by his son, John P. Oakes (Kathi); grandchildren, John Daniel Oakes (Sydney) and Kelly Ryan (Nick); and great-grandchildren, Paige, William, and Lucy Oakes, his sister, Betty Brenan and many loving nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Dawn Anne Oakes, and by his siblings Dan Oakes, Carolyn Ertel, Nancy Oakes, Thomas Oakes and Becky Hooper.
John's life was marked by his faith in God and a desire to make a difference by investing in his family and through his work and church. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that he is now made whole in the presence of Jesus.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on August 2, 2025 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens in Fort Myers, Florida to celebrate John’s life and faith.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in memory of John Oakes to Parkinson’s Foundation at https://www.Parkinson.org.
Arrangements are being handled by Fort Myers Memorial Gardens.
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