Darrel Oakes

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Darrel Lee Oakes, age 61, of Oologah, Oklahoma, formerly of Neosho, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, following, a ruptured aortic aneurysm.

Darrel was born on July 27, 1958 in Joplin, Missouri, the son of Forrest Lee Oakes and Mary Katherine (Cook) Oakes. He graduated from Neosho High School in 1976.

He married Paula Wilton, on July 2, 1977 in Joplin, enjoying a forty-two (42) year love affair, and together they had one son, Jacob. Darrel was the plant manager for the AmeriGas propane company in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was a past member of Southside Apostolic Faith Church, where he had served on the church board, and a past member of Uncommon Life Church in Joplin. He was a current member of Life Church in Owasso, Oklahoma, where he served on the” host team”, was a mentor for the “marriage team” and a mentor for other church team programs. Darrel had a true servant’s heart; he was totally devoted to bringing people to Christ. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.

Darrel was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Katherine Oakes in 2015; and, a brother, Garold L. Oakes in 1975.

He is survived by his wife of forty-two (42) years, Paula J. Oakes of Oologah, Oklahoma, one son, Jacob L. Oakes and wife, Charity; his father, Forrest Lee Oakes, Neosho, Missouri, one brother, Carol L. Oakes and wife, Gaytha, Hohenwald, Tennessee; two sisters, Iletha K. Bard and husband, Mark, Tipton Ford, Missouri, and Anita K. Oakes and Phillip A. Glades, and three grand-children, Lidia, John and Boyd.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday at Forest Park Baptist Church in Joplin, Missouri (Main campus). Pastor Richard Morris will officiate. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, near Stella, Missouri.

The visitation will be 6 – 8 p.m., Tuesday, at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Memorial contributions may be given to Life Church Missions in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.