Joseph L. Oakes

MSgt Joseph L. Oakes, Sr. USAF Retired, of Latimer, went to sleep with the angels on Saturday, November 28, 2015. Joe was a resident of the Gulf Coast since 1987. He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict and retired in 1985. He was a life member of the VFW Post 2434 where he served as Post Quarter Master and was a life member of the MOC, having served as Seam Squirrel as well as various offices in the Grand and Supreme. He also was Sister Josephine for the Grand of MS. Joe was a life member of the American Legion Post 2002. He was preceded in death by his parents, Isabel and Milford Oakes; and a sister, Barbara Duncan. Joe is survived by his wife, Sherrie Oakes; daughters, Margaret (Brad) Lawmaster and Josie (Bret) S’Groi; sons, Joseph L. “Skip” (Rebecca) Oakes, Jr. and Daniel (Angie) Oakes; sister, Pat (Ernie) Harris; brothers, Milford G. (Nancy) Oakes; stepchildren, Jana (Chris) Fultz; Michael (DeeDee) Gill; extended family John and Rhonda Smith; eighteen grandchildren; one great grandchild and his baby, Ladybug. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to the American Cancer Society. 417 Security Square, Gulfport, MS 39507 Burial with Honors will be at 10:00am on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at Biloxi National Cemetery. Celebration of life at VFW Post 2434, 289 Veterans Avenue, Biloxi, MS, from 10:30 to 11:30am. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue Chapel is in charge of arrangements. View and sign the register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com