Obituary of Wilford L. Oakes

BATAVIA - Wilford "Bill" L. Oakes, 83, of Batavia, passed away Monday, (September 30, 2019), at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Wilford was born February 29, 1936, in S. Alabama, the son of the late Clifford and Dorothy (Lawton) Oakes.

Bill was a member of the former Oakfield 1st Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder, Sunday School Superintendent, and Trustee.  He served his country honorably with the United States Air Force and was the Village of Oakfield Superintendent for many years.  Bill was also a truck driver with the former Paille Express of Oakfield.  He enjoyed antique cars, flea markets, boating on Seneca Lake, and golfing. 

He is the husband of Gretchen (Cope) Oakes of Batavia.  The two were married on December 28, 1954 and enjoyed nearly 65 years together. 

Surviving along with his wife are his daughters, Kathy (Rev. Clark) Sawyer of Butler, PA, Sandra Giraulo of LeRoy, Bonnie (Anthony) Lipari of Fairport, and Janet (Jeffrey) Bates of Oakfield; Grandchildren, Matthew Mueller, Brian (Elisha) Mueller, Emily (Michael) Lyons, Jordan Port, Stephanie (Steven) Haber, Andrew Lipari, Kristin (Richard) Long, Jonathan Bates, and Jacob Bates; Great-Grandchildren, Evan, Arthur, Grier, Peden, Fitz, Brodie, Olivia, Mickey, and Wyatt.

He is predeceased by his sister, Doris Oakes.

 
There will be no visitation.  A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in Sampson Veterans Cemetery, in Romulus. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Wilford's memory may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021 or  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.