A kind, honest and faithful man has departed his earthly life for the riches that awaited him in Heaven. Larry was born August 5, 1952 in Beloit, WI.

There he grew up, the oldest of seven children of James and Arlene Oakes.

He spent his childhood summers on the farms of his grandparents in the Wisconsin Dells—being taught the wonders of nature and sometimes………..doing a little work.

After high school he received a summons from Uncle Sam—the last draft number called from the state of WI to serve in the Vietnam War. His father suggested he enlist in the US Navy.For the next twelve years he was stationed at Naval bases in Florida, Hawaii, Maine, California and several in between. He excelled in his skills on the Flight Simulators of the P-3 anti-submarine aircraft, and with Hughes Aircraft, on the simulators of the F/A-18 Navy fighter jets.

He married his bride of forty-one years, Leslie Collins Oakes, December 4, 1976 in Umatilla, FL and immediately left to travel the world together. Their son Brent lives in Los Angeles, CA and their daughter, Alise, her husband Phil, and son Paul, live in Albuquerque, NM.

Aerospace and Flight Simulation remained Larry’s professional career for thirty years. He continued utilizing his life-long electronic skills, retiring from Fairfax Country Public Schools in September 2017.

St. Thomas United Methodist Church in Manassas, VA has been the family’s spiritual home for the last twenty-five years. Serving in several capacities, the Saturday morning Men’s Group truly captured his heart and where he felt deeply connected.

After a brief but courageous journey, Larry entered Eternal Life, Wednesday, May 16, 2018.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Thomas United Methodist Church, Manassas, Virginia, Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 3:00pm. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Leslie Oakes, son Brent Oakes, daughter Alise (Phil) Neis and grandson, Paul Neis. Survived also by his sisters and brothers: Bonnie (Dave) Davis-WI, David (Shery) Oakes-OH, Dwayne Oakes-WI, Brian (Vicki) Oakes-OH, Nancy Wenger-WI, Laurie Keltner-WI, several nieces and nephews and several grand nieces and grand nephews. Survived also by his father and mother-in-law, Lowell and Catherine Collins-FL and brother-in-law, Doug Collins-CA

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to St. Thomas United Methodist Church, 8899 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20110 (memo: Larry Oakes)

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