John R. Oakes

John R. “Jack” Oakes, 87, formerly of Vanport Twp., passed away surrounded by his loving family, Thursday, February 1, 2018. Born January 19, 1931 in Sewickley, he was a son of the late Harold and Gertrude Summerville Oakes. A 1949 alumnus of Beaver Area High School, John continued his studies at Geneva College, graduating in 1953. After serving proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he returned home to begin his 40- year career as an educator with the Big Beaver Falls Junior High School, teaching several subjects including History, English, and Driver’s Ed. In his spare time, John could be found on the golf course, cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events, or watching any Pittsburgh sports team, along with his hometown Bobcats. He was a former member of the Ft. McIntosh Club, Beaver and a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church, Beaver where he served as an Elder and Deacon, and a member of the St. James Lodge #457 F&AM Masonic Lodge, Beaver, PA. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ann P. Oakes on January 22, 2017; his brother Colonel Norman L. Oakes; and sister, Linda O. Donovan. John will be sadly missed by his two daughters, Pamela (Mark “Skip” Federoff) Oakes, Vanport Township, and Paula (John) Misorski, Brighton Township; his cherished grandchildren who fondly called him “Indian Pap, Pappers, and Pap”, Alex (Lisa) Barney, MS, Shawn (Lindsey) Barney, Hopewell Township, Lance (Hillary Barwick) Barney, TN, Matthew Misorski, Pittsburgh and Megan Misorski, Pittsburgh; along with three great-grandchildren, Ada, Beckham, and Jackson Barney. Friends will be received Monday, February 5, 2018 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. A funeral service will be conducted by his pastor, Reverend Jeffrey A. Arnold, Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Beaver, followed by interment with full military honors by the Beaver County Special Unit at Beaver Cemetery, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Avenue, Beaver, PA 15009. The family wishes to thank Dr. Carl Sestito for the compassionate care given to John.