He was born in Gerrard County, KY on February 21, 1929 to James Alvie and Cora Ethel (Judd) Oakes. He lived most of his life in Hagerstown and Muncie and had also resided in southern Indiana and Arkansas.
Howard was a hunter and member of NKC and AKC and had won many awards for training and breeding dogs. He was also an avid gardener and landscaper.
Survivors include his wife, Norma Oakes; 6 children, Dale (Suellen) Oakes, Dennis (Cathy) Oakes, Dan (Yuncha) Oakes, DeAnn (Earnest) Sewell, Della Thompson and Charles Dee (Juanita) Oakes; 13 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 2 sisters in law, Dorthea Oakes and Sue Oakes.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, David Oakes and 12 siblings, Robert, Gaitheler, James, Lyman, Thurman, Pattie Rigsby, Leonard, Marvin, Norman, Wallace, Gilbert and TJ.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 AM on Thursday, April 8, at Culberson Funeral Home, Hagerstown. Services will follow at 11 AM. Pastor Belinda Nelson will officiate. Burial will be in Salem Baptist Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Lynd Place and Paradigm Hospice for the excellent care and compassion afforded to Howard during his illness.
Memorials may be made to Paradigm Hospice or the donor’s favorite charity.