Charles Charlie O Herbert Oakes

Charles Herbert Oakes, fondly known as “Charlie O,” age 83, of Whitehall, passed away on Saturday morning, October 26, 2013 after a year-long battle with heart disease. Charlie was born on February 14, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois, to Lucille Boyer and Edward Center Sr. During his teens, he was lovingly adopted by Harold Oakes. Charlie’s legacy includes over 39 years of sobriety associating with friends of Bill W. and Dr. Bob. He was a positive influence on the lives of many seeking to live a sober, happy life, and will be greatly missed. He loved fishing and woodworking, making decoys for his friends. He also loved his kitties, Harley and Davidson. Charlie served his apprenticeship in tool and cutter grinding at Morton Mfg. He later worked as a precision machinist at Ravenna Pattern, and a tool and cutter grinder at Progress Machine & Tool. He served in the U.S. Air Force and also served in the U.S. Naval Reserve for 7 years. On March 30, 1951, Charlie married Joyce Patow. She preceded him in death on May 16, 1971. He married Karen Collins on July 29, 1983. She survives along with their blended family of Peggy (Joe) Sayers, Linda (Ryan) Scott, Kyle Diane Oakes, and Roger Oakes of Muskegon; Mitchell Oakes of Ludington; Robin Oakes of Fruitport; Debbera Oakes of Grand Haven; Linda A. Oakes of Grand Rapids; Neil (Anita Simmons) Oakes of Traverse City, and Cheryl (Steve Bryan) Arndts of Winter Haven, FL; daughter-in-law, Debbie Oakes of Muskegon; brother, Damon Center of Walkerton, IN; sister, Sheila (Phil) Scott of Lakeview, IN; brothers-in-law, Jim (Josie) Wright of Muskegon and Jerry Patow of CA; sisters-in-law, Ardis Larsen of MN and Irene Bullerman of Grand Rapids, MI; twenty-two grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Pauline (Jim) Wright in 2003, and Theresa Center in 1941; and brothers, Edward Center, Jr. in 1986 and Vernon Center of Walkerton, IN, on May 24, 2013. He also was preceded in death by two grandsons, Steven Cook of Muskegon in Nov. 1983, and Derek Oakes of Ludington, on Nov 3, 2010; and his daughter in-law, Lisa M. (Mitchell) Oakes of Ludington on July 10, 2013. A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, November 4, 2013, at Ever Rest Funeral Home, 1783 E. Keating Ave., Muskegon, with Rev. Jerry Whitman officiating. A reception will follow at the funeral home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, Nov. 3rd, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mercy VNS & Hospice Service or to Pound Buddies of Muskegon. Online condolences may be expressed at www.everrestfuneralhomeandchapel.com