Oakes, Ellsworth "E. J." 1931-2012

OAKES, GILLESPIE, THEIS, WOODY, KASNER, FUGER, BREEDING

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 10/24/2017 at 16:13:52

Ellsworth "E.J." Oakes
Obituary Condolences
Altoona

Ellsworth John "E.J." Oakes passed away Wednesday, September 19, 2012. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Monday, September 24 at Altoona Christian Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

E.J. was born August 18, 1931 in Des Moines. He graduated from Tech High in 1951 then served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. After leaving military service, he worked at Greyhound Bus Company before owning his own Texaco Gas Station for 12 years in Windsor Heights. After closing the station, he worked at the Sears Automotive Department until retirement. He then moved to Fallbrook, CA and was a volunteer for the sheriff's substation for over 10 years returning to Altoona in 2000. He was a member of the ELKs Lodge 98 and the American Legion Post 0374 for 55 years.

E.J. married Betty Gillespie in 1953, and they had four children, James (Marge), John (Debbie), Don (Lucretia) Oakes and Linda (Tony) Theis.

In 1971, he married Sally Woody. They were married 29 years, and he gained four stepchildren.

In 2000, he married Durene Kasner and added three more step children.

E.J. was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Kathryn Oakes; sister, Fran Fuger; and wives, Betty and Sally.

He is survived by his loving wife and partner, Durene; his sister, Carrel Breeding, his children and stepchildren. He is also survived by his 19 grandchildren and approximately 32 great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register Sat 22 Sept 2012.