Wayne Robert Oakes

Wayne R. Oakes, age 80, of Allegan, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025. Wayne grew up during the infancy of television, rock and roll and such icons as James Dean and Elvis Presley. Wayne grew up in Grand Rapids until he was eight when the family moved to Wyoming, Michigan.  He attended Rogers High School before signing up for the U.S. Navy during Vietnam.  He proudly served on the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea. He retired from a long career at General Motors. Wayne loved dogs, cats, fast cars and motorcycles, and traveling on many road trips. Wayne was the oldest of nine children and he was a true role model to them all.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Betty Oakes; sister, Kathleen Newhof; brother, Brian Oakes; sister-in-law, Darlene. He will be lovingly remembered by his siblings: Barbara (Ronald) Fuerstnau, Patrick  Oakes, Michael (Debra) Oakes, Marleen (John) Goodrich, Ricky Oakes, Elizabeth Gutierrez; many nieces and nephews; as well as his beloved cat, Chad.  A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Wyoming, with Pastor Dennis Gilbert officiating. Family and friends may meet the family at 1:00 pm until the time of the service on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Burial will take place at a later date in North Ensley Cemetery, Howard City, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or a pet rescue shelter of one’s choice.