John Oakes

John T. Oakes, 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Walden III - Wind Gap. He was the beloved husband of the late Jean P. Oakes (Lord) who passed away in 2015. Born in Pottsville,PA. John was a son of the late William and Harriet Oakes (Moser).

He is a 1955 graduate of Tamaqua H.S. He studied at Stevens College of Technology and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Institute of Technology.

John proudly served in the United States Navy during the early years of the Vietnam War, exemplifying the values of loyalty and bravery. After his service, he pursued a successful career as a software engineer for Northrup Grumman, retiring in 2002, where his innovative spirit and dedication made a significant impact.

A cherished member of the John Wesley Covenant Church in Wind Gap, John found great joy in his faith and shared it with those around him. He was also an active participant at the Pen Argyl American Legion Post 502, where his camaraderie and kindness were embraced by all.

John's love for travel and adventure took him to numerous destinations around this great country. With his dog, Misty, and a small RV he saw everything on his bucket list and then some. He was an expert skier and shared that passion with his family. John lived most of his adult life in California but decided to "spend some time back East" in 2017. His favorite trips after settling in Wind Gap were back home to California to visit his West Coast family

He will be missed by his step-children: Karen Siegfried (Mark), Nancy Lydon (Tim), Donna Krause Johnston (Julie) and Donny Krause (Stacy); grandchildren: Melissa McMillen, Stacy Siegfried, Katie Lydon, Shawn Siegfried and Steven & Nick George; great-grandchildren: Keeghan, Caden, Carsyn, Declan McMillen and Greyson & Emma Siegfried; brother: Russell Oakes (Patience); niece: Rebecca Miller; nephew: William Oakes; great nephew: Andrew and brother-in-law: Gordon Heller (Ann). John was predeceased by a sister: Mary Ann Heller and a nephew: Matthew Miller.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the John Wesley Covenant Church 19 W. West St. Wind Gap, 18091. Interment of cremated remains will take place privately at Green Hills Memorial Park - 27501 South Western Avenue Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at: bensingfuneralhome.net. Arrangements and cremation care are under the direction of the GEORGE G. BENSING FUNERAL HOME, INC. - Moorestown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to the John Wesley Covenant Church.