Howard J. Oaf, of Belle Isle, Florida, age 91, died December 3, 2015. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Claudys. He is also survived by sons, Howard, Hammond, Indiana, Larry and Jeff Williamson, Orlando; daughter, Claudia Patrick, Orlando, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mr. Oaf was a proud World War II veteran where he served with the 106th Cavalry of the Seventh Army that landed at Omaha Beach. He was involved in several engagements but most notably, the Battle of the Bulge in 1944 where he was captured on New Year’s Eve and served five months as a Prisoner of War in Germany. Mr. Oaf earned several medals and citations to include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Croix de Guerre. Shortly after his POW liberation by the Russian Army, he was able to share a visit with General Dwight Eisenhower at a French café.
At WW II conclusion, Mr. Oaf returned to his hometown of Hammond, Indiana where he lived for over 20 years. Mr. Oaf then moved to Central Florida where he enjoyed playing golf and cheering on the Orlando Magic until his death.
Services for Howard J. Oaf will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at Woodlawn Funeral Home.
