Kenneth Oakes

Kenneth Oakes, 66, passed away Monday, Nov. 23, 2015. Memorial service: 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Ave., Dallas, 75209, which will include full military honors. Interment: Private services follow at a later date in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Memorials: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 1235 South Clark St., Suite 910 Arlington, Va., 22202; or Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Inc., 26345 Network Place, Chicago, Ill., 60673-1263. He was born Kenneth Rowe Oakes on May 10, 1949, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Kenneth Oakes and Dorothy Kerrigan Oakes. Ken was a patriot who served his country with distinction. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving with the U.S. Navy on a river boat(PBR) as a gunner's mate petty officer third class. Ken served the Navy for four years - serving in country for 13 months. Ken was highly decorated, receiving the Bronze Star. Ken spent his career in the airlines industry, retiring from American Airlines after 28 years and then worked for Southwest Airlines for the last 12 years. Ken was an avid golfer and a member of the VFW. Ken was an active supporter of the Special Olympics and the Ronald McDonald House. Ken loved his family, his country and his community. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors: Brother, Robert Oakes and wife, Sharon; niece, Kelli Matula and husband, Matt; nephews, Brian Oakes and wife, Mandy, Kevin Oakes and fiancee', Lauren; great-niece, Avery Matula; companion, Kay Bradley; and newest love, his puppy, Grace.