Charles F. "Chuck" Oakley

CHARLES F. "CHUCK" OAKLEY, passed away February 27, 2004 in Bellville, Texas after a lengthy illness. Chuck was a decorated war veteran, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star among other awards. He was a member of the 40th Troop Carrier, 317th Group, and flew C-47's and B-25's in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served in World War II in the South Pacific and also the Korean Conflict. Chuck retired from the United States Air Force in 1965. He attended the University of Houston School of Law, formerly called Bates College of Law, and received a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1957. Chuck practiced law in Houston with the firm of Fred Parks, was a staff attorney for Allstate Insurance co. and later established a general law practice with his wife, Gladys, in Bellville, Texas in 1969. He also served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas, and was a contract Administrative Representative for General Electric Co. at the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston. Chuck was a member of Delta Theta Phi legal fraternity and Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. He was a charter member of the Associated Republicans of Texas, and a Colonel in the Commemorative Air Force. He is survived by his wife of 37 years: the Honorable Gladys (Jurchak) Oakley of Bellville, TX; a son: Charles F. Oakley, Jr. of Perth, Australia and a daughter: Mary Ann Oakley Christensen and husband, Dr. Robert E. Christensen, of Midland, TX. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Andrew and Timothy Oakley, both of Perth, Australia; Anthony Oakley of Sidney, Australia; Kevin, Kent, Michael and Emily Christensen, all of Midland, TX; a great granddaughter: Emma Grace Oakley of Perth, Australia; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many other relatives. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, March 2, 2004 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bellville with Pastor H. Eldon Akerman and Father Bob Gribble officiating. Memorial gifts may be made to the Bellville Hospital Foundation, St. John Lutheran Church or to the charity of choice. SCHMIDT FUNERAL HOME 12029 Hwy. 36 S. Bellville, Tx 77418 (979) 865-2424