Paul Edward Oakes, Sr.

Paul Edward Oakes, Sr., one of the original residents of Chestnut Hill Estates, Newark, passed away after a brief illness at Christiana Hospital with his loving family by his side on Thursday, January 29, 2015, one day after his 86th birthday.

Born and raised in St. Georges, DE, Paul was the son of the late William F. Oakes and Theresa Frarer Oakes.  (Local historians will recall that his father, William, was tragically killed in 1939 when a ship struck the St. Georges drawbridge).

Following graduation from Salesianum High School in 1946, he immediately joined the United States Army and served in Japan during World War II.  Paul was an independent contractor for Sears and Taub Builders installing kitchens.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Birchard Oakes, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage; by his brothers, Bill, Banny and Bobby Oakes; and by his sisters, Theresa “Sissy” Oakes, Alice Strickland, Dorothy Walsh and Peggy Sterling.

He is survived by his son, Paul “Sonny” Oakes and his wife, Jane; by his grandson, Paul Oakes, III and his wife, Dawn; by his granddaughter, Corinne Oakes; and by three great granddaughters, Cassidy, Madison and Navene.

Paul will be dearly missed by his loving companion, Deborah Grimes, who shared the last 14 years of his life.

He enjoyed time with his family, a good game of golf, and a cold “Bud”.  Paul leaves the legacy of “The Pool” for family and friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Thursday, February 5 from 10:00-11:30AM.  Funeral services will begin at 11:30AM, with interment following in New St. Paul’s Cemetery, near Delaware City.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you take someone dear to you “Out to Dinner” and share time with a loved one.

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