Lee Oakes

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

The Family of Forrest Lee Oakes, known by all as Lee, sadly announces that he passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Solace House of Joplin, Missouri, after suffering a series of strokes which began on Sunday, May 15th. 

Lee was born January 31, 1929 in McDonald County, Missouri to George Lester Oakes and Eve Mae Leon Oakes (Forbes). 

Lee met Mary Kathryn Cook, whom he married, and loved and enjoyed life with until her passing on December 11, 2015. 

Lee and Mary’s union was blessed with five (5) children: Carol Oakes, wife Gaytha of Hohenwald, Tenn.; Iletha Bard, husband, Mark, of Tipton Ford, Mo.; Garold Oakes, who preceded him in death on May 3, 1975; Darrel Oakes, who preceded him in death on January 1, 2020, wife Paula, of Joplin, Mo.; and, Anita K. Oakes, significant other, Phillip A. Glades, of Joplin, Mo. He was also grandfather to Travis and Stacey Bard of Joplin, Glenn and Carrie Oakes of Joplin, Grant and Leslie Bard of Joplin, Darla Oakes of Baxter Springs, Kansas, and Abby and Keith Buschman of Joplin; and Jacob and Charity Oakes of Joplin; twelve great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren He was also blessed to be survived by his brother, Dennie Oakes, wife Karen, and family of Joplin, Missouri.

He was predeceased in death by his brother Emery Oakes and sister Gladys Wynona Lindquist, both of Joplin, Missouri. 

He is also survived by his brother-in-laws, Vernie Cook and family of Neosho, Mo, and Earnest Cook and family of Longview, Mo. 

Having lived without his wife, since 2015, Lee recently met Marjorie Yokley; they were married May 8, 2021, with the marriage sadly ending with his death. 

Finally, Lee is also survived by an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, brothers and sisters in Christ and friends, in such great numbers they are impossible to name. 

Lee attended schools in McDonald County, Missouri, and after completing his educational years, worked all his adult life in sales; and, is fondly and affectionately remembered as “The Jewel Tea Man”, as he worked for Jewel Tea Companies until his retirement. 

Lee also ministered for many years in his church by teaching Sunday School classes and additionally teaching on prophecy. He traveled and sang with Canaan Bound for many years; and his last musical ministry was with Jerry Siegel out of Neosho, Missouri.

Funeral services for Lee will be held at the Southside Apostolic Faith Church, in Joplin on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Officiating will be his grandson, Travis Bard and Bryan Moser. 

Interment will follow at the Union Cemetery, McDonald County, and serving as pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Travis Bard, Glenn Oakes, Grant Bard, Abby Buschman, Darla Oakes, and Jacob Oakes. The family will receive friends Monday evening at Mason-Woodard Mortuary, Joplin from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Contributions, in honor of Lee, may be made to 4-State Youth Camp, of Baxter Springs, Kansas, or Solace House of Joplin, in care of Mason-Woodard, 3701 E. 7th Joplin, Missouri 64801.

Services are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Funeral Home, Joplin. Online condolences may be posted at www.masonwoodard.com.