Gerald W. Oakley

He graduated from Reitz High School in 1964. Jerry earned four college degrees, which include a bachelor and master’s degree from Indiana State, his doctoral of education degree in Safety Studies and Educational Foundations from West Virginia University and a juris doctor’s degree from George Mason School of Law. Jerry donated to the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) Foundation creating the Oakley Endowment. His endowment will fund two EVSC scholarships annually for up to 25 years. He wanted to assist college bound students with average GPAs.

Jerry was notified in December that he was one of 13 inductees for the EVSC’s Hall of Fame, Class of 2020. He was extremely honored to be one of the “distinguished individuals who exemplify outstanding achievement in their life’s work and who have made a positive impact on public education in the greater community.” Jerry loved education.

In June of 1970, Jerry was an instructor of Safety Studies at West Virginia University. In September of 1974, he became an Assistant Professor of Occupational Safety and Health at Indiana State; and in 1979 moved to Washington, DC where he held the position of Acting Division Director of Safety and Health Management at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

During Jerry’s time with the U.S, Department of Agriculture, he earned his law degree. In 1988, Jerry moved to Springfield, VA, working as an attorney for Hoeting, Tuttle, & Woehrle, P.C. In 1990, he moved to Arlington, VA, working as an attorney for Raymond B. Benzinger. Jerry practiced law for three years, before resuming his U.S. government career with the EPA as a Deputy Division Director in Washington, DC, where he retired after 29 years.

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 29 years, Mary Katherine “Kathy”. He is survived by his brother, Thomas Oakley. Jerry will be fondly remembered by the nieces he became extremely close to later in life: Krista Broshears, Kendra Hoyt, Michaelle Goerlitz, Julia Goerlitz and Jnana Gowan. He is survived by numerous other nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Jerry loved his family and friends. He reminded people often that Kathy was the one and only love for him. Jerry and Kathy were high school sweethearts until Kathy moved to Florida her senior year. Jerry left Evansville and eventually the state to attend college. As fate would have it, the two reunited in the 1990’s when Jerry came back to Evansville for a high school reunion. They were wed on Independence Day less than two years later. Being major contributors to the Indianapolis Zoo, the Oakley’s had a deep love for all animals, especially their own. Jerry will be sorely missed by his Tibetan Terrier, Tibby and the cat that never left his side, Franny.

Jerry loved sharing stories of the past. The majority of those stories included one or more of his lifelong hometown friends: Carl Barchcet, John R. Hudson, Gary Huskey and Larry Lewis, or one of the dear friends he met later in life: James Engleka and Dr. Anthony Veltri. Jerry cherished his friendships. After the passing of his mother and wife in 2019, Jerry’s friends were his lifeline. He talked to one or more of his friends weekly right up to the months leading to his death. His friends meant the world to him.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Alexander East Funeral Home in Evansville, IN officiated by Pastor Jeff Long. The service will be followed by burial in Mt. Gilead Cemetery in Slaughters, KY. Friends may visit on Saturday 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. You are invited to attend and tell your favorite remembrances about Jerry.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.