Craig Oakes

Funeral services for Craig Oakes were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 27, at First Baptist Church of Teague, with Brother Shaun Sifford and Brother Scott Matthews officiating.

Oakes passed away March 22 at Baylor Hospital in Dallas due to an accident that occurred while working with his cattle.

He was born Feb. 9, 1952, to Tommie and Hazel Oakes. He grew up in Donie and enjoyed his childhood with his family. He loved the outdoors his entire life and spent many hours hunting and fishing.

He attended school in Donie through the sixth grade, then went on to junior high and high school in Teague, graduating with the THS Class of 1970.

Oakes met his wife of 46 years, Melodye Duke Oakes, in 1975. They raised their children, Amy and Tommie, in Donie and Teague.

Oakes was a partner in a family feed and fertilizer business, Oakes & Turner Feed, for 12 years. He was employed at Northwestern Resources for 16 years. He was elected Freestone County commissioner in 2002 and was sworn into office Jan. 1, 2003. He proudly served the citizens of Precinct 2 for 19 years and three months.

Oakes loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids. He was their biggest fan and followed them wherever their interests led. From rodeos to basketball, football, volleyball or steer shows, he tried to make them all and enjoyed every minute of it.

Burial was at Oakes Cemetery, with Brother Shaun Sifford officiating at the committal service.

He is survived by his wife, Melodye Oakes; his daughter, Amy Silar and husband Matt; his son, Tommie Oakes and wife Christi; four grandchildren, Wes Silar, Annie Oakes, Korey Silar and Ava Oakes; special nephew Anson Rhea; one brother, Wayland Oakes and wife Helen;

three sisters, Geri Baker, Darlene Reynolds and husband Waydell, and Kathy Schill and husband Don; father-and mother-in-law, Bobby and Barbara Duke; brotherin-law, Mark Duke and wife Teresa; numerous nieces and nephews, and special friends and co-workers whom he loved so much.

Oakes was preceded in death by his parents, Tommie and Hazel Oakes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Eighth Avenue Baptist Church, 201 S. 8th Ave., Teague, TX 75860 or First Baptist Church of Donie, P.O. Box 92, Donie 75838.

Arrangements were made by Bowers Funeral Home of Teague.

Bowers Funeral Home

900 U.S. Hwy 84 West

Teague, Texas 75860

254-739-2511