The Life of ELLSWORTH JOHN OAKES

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 at the church.

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 1951-1953 as a field clerk, stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. 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 for the Sears Automotive Center 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 for 21 years and 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, Tom (Barbie), Terry (Kim)and John (Bobbie) Woody and Debra Hernandez. In 2000 he married Durene Kasner and added three more step children, Kimberly (Joe) Burris, Kurene Welter, Cathy (Alan) Porter.

E.J. was preceded 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 grandchildren, Dennis (Kristy), Sean, Tiffini, Brooke, Brittany, D.J., Daniel, Tina, Kathryn, Beth (Nate) Ryan, Christal, Stacie, Jolene Matt, Charlene (Montgomery) Kellie, Nick and David and approximately 32 great-grandchildren.

He will be missed by all who knew him.