Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory - Bedford

320 North Bridge Street

Bedford, Virginia

Frank Oakes Obituary

Frank Marion Oakes

AGE: 86 • Moneta, VA

Frank Marion Oakes, 86, of Moneta, passed away Monday, March 24, 2014. Born Aug. 23, 1927 in Anderson, IN, he was the son of the late John H. Oakes and Edna M. Pitman Oakes. Frank spent his youth in Knoxville, TN until joining the U.S. Coast Guard to serve in World War II. His career in electronic engineering started at the Coast Guard station in Manasquan, NJ and later at Fort Monmouth, Litton Industries and General Electric PLC. He was a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America and the North shore Antique Automobile Club of New Jersey. In retirement, Frank and Mary Jane resided at Smith Mountain Lake, VA.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Mary Jane Layton Oakes, and a daughter, Robin Oakes Bebel. He is survived by his daughter, Luann Oakes Lightfoot and husband, John Michael of Bethany, CT; granddaughters, Alex Lightfoot Vinopal and husband, William of Higganum, CT, and Sarah Margaret Bebel of Charlottesville; grandsons, John Robert "Bob" Lightfoot of Woodbridge, VA and Nicholas Bebel of Newton, MA; and a son-in-law, Dennis Bebel of Charlottesville. He will be missed by his family and many dear friends in both New Jersey and around the lake.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford. A celebration of Frank's life will be conducted at a later date at Quaker Manasquan Friends Meeting House, 2257 Meetinghouse Road, Manasquan, NJ 08736. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Manasquan Meeting Religious Society of Friends, PO Box 522, Manasquan, NJ 08736. Condolences may be sent online at www.tharpfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, VA.

Published by Asbury Park Press on Mar. 27, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Oakes

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Still miss seeing Frank. There are places around the lake that I still frequent and look for Franks smile when I arrive. It is a gentle reminder that I am still missing a really good friend and puts a smile on my face.

Tom Duncan

Friend

March 21, 2019

We will miss you Frank.
You were a great personal friend and neighbor.

March 28, 2014

We will miss you Frank.
You were a great personal friend and neighbor.

Art and Carole Thommen

March 28, 2014

Although I did not know Frank for a long time it was my privilege to be known as his friend. He was a very special person and I sure see these qualities in his loving daughter Luann. God blessed Frank with a very special and loving child. Luann I have sure enjoyed meeting and spending time with you. My God give you the peace and understanding you need.

Bonnie Dagenhart

March 27, 2014

Luann, I've known your dad since he and Mary Jane came to the lake. I am truly going to miss him. He taught me a great deal about customer service and marketing. He was someone that can't be replaced. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Margaret Hager

March 27, 2014

I will miss seeing my friend Frank at the various restaurants and functions at Smith Mountain Lake.

Tom Duncan

March 27, 2014

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Frank Oakes's name

Memorial Events
for Frank Oakes

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory - Bedford

320 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA 24523-1928

How to support Frank's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Frank Oakes's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more