Thomas A. Oakes

Fun loving Husband, Dad, Brother, Papa, Fisherman, Friend, and loved one. Tom received his "Angel Wings" on Friday, August 31, 2012, with his grandson Brandon by his side and his devoted wife Melinda nearby.

Tom was born March 30, 1944 in Fresno, Ca. to Eugene and Alice Oakes who paved the way before him.

Tom served in the United States Navy as Communications Technician and was stationed in Bremerhaven, during the first two years and enjoyed touring Europe especially the brewhauses.

He worked at Cobbs Hardware, Dutch Boy Paints, then worked as a Route Salesman for Industrial Laundry Services for 33 years, approximately 25 years of them were for Aramark, and retired from there in 2009, but stayed to work in A/R with his "girls". He enjoyed the last few months back at Cobbs Hardware working and chatting.

Tom loved his family, the great outdoors, fly-fishing, bowling/golfing with friends, watching his four kids play sports, seeing his grandkids, and during retirement years participated in grandson Brandon's ball games and playing "Papa's Taxi".

Wife Melinda Dresser-Oakes lives on with his spirit; as well as his son, Kyle and his wife Rhiannon Oakes; children, Lowan and Corah; daughter, Kari Oakes; son, Kevin Oakes; children, Waya, Chace and Andrew; daughter, Kelly Oakes and fiancé Carl Smith; stepdaughter, Angella Fugate, children, Brandon and Alissa; stepson, Jason Fugate and fiancé Carissa Davis, twins Lucas and Ella; brother, Alan Oakes and his wife Marnie and beloved dogs Bailey, Mazie and Kit and all the loving family members, friends and acquaintances he made along the way.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, on Friday, September 14, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. The family suggests colorful casual attire.

n lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Tom's name to Fresno Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Ser- vice at fresnowildlife. org.