William Cleveland Oaks Jr.

William Cleveland Oaks Jr., 70, of Salina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 8, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. He was born September 4, 1955, in Forrest City, Arkansas, to William Cleveland Oaks Sr. and Erma Lee Oaks (Walton). Cleveland grew up in Salina, where he enjoyed hobbies such as baseball, basketball, football, and track.

Cleveland met his high school sweetheart, Wanda Ruth Oaks (Gray). They were married for more than 50 years. Cleveland served in the military. After, he started his career working at Raytheon and later began working at Rounds and Porter. He then returned to Beechcraft where he worked for a majority of his career.

He enjoyed spending time with his family watching sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys, and old westerns like Rifleman and Gunsmoke. He also enjoyed shooting the breeze and catching up on old times with his best friend, David Boswell. Cleveland also enjoyed spending his time testing his luck at the casino with family.

Survivors include: his wife, Wanda Oaks; his children, Deona Lewis, Micheal Loud, and William C. Oaks III (Tiana); his grandchildren, Tony Roseborough Jr., Zechariah Loud, and Romillie Loud; his great-grandchildren, Kinsley Roseborough and Kalani Roseborough; his siblings, Ingrid Dale (Brian), Rita Oaks, Lisa Oaks, Stanley Oaks, Sebastian Oaks, and Evan Oaks (Berta); and last surviving aunt, Julie Swaingan and many nephews, nieces, and beloved friends.

Cleveland was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Oaks.

A day of celebration is scheduled on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Rosie's on Iron, 125 E Iron Ave. Salina, KS 67401. Family will receive visitors from 2pm-3pm with celebration of life to follow after 3pm.

Memorials may be made to Wanda Oaks, in care of Heier Scott Mortuary and Cremations, 1920 East Crawford Street, Salina, Kansas 67401.

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