Born in Snow Creek, Virginia, LD was the son of the late Herman and Flora Oakes. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Larry Herman Oakes, and his sister, Diane Ashby. He is survived by his brother, Teddy Oakes.
LD is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Retha Robertson Oakes, with whom he built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and service. He is also survived by their son, Leslie Dean Oakes and wife Tammy; their daughter, Laura Dale Oakes Kozma and husband Greg; and four beloved granddaughters, Alex Oakes Caudill and husband Nick, Madison Oakes Dutkevitch and husband Chris, Loren D. Oakes, and Dylan G. Kozma.
LD graduated from Franklin County High School in 1956 before proudly serving in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1960. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, he served as a Health Inspector, ensuring the health and safety of fellow service members. Upon returning home, he began a long and successful career at DuPont. Over the course of 35 years, he rose from Stock Operator to retire as a respected Senior Quality Engineer in 1994.
A dedicated public servant, LD was elected to Martinsville City Council in 1976 and served for two decades, including two terms as Mayor. In 1992, he was elected President of the Virginia Municipal League in recognition of his outstanding leadership. He served on numerous boards throughout the Martinsville and Henry County region, including King’s Grant, Grace Network, McCabe Memorial Baptist Church, Martinsville High School Boosters, Martinsville Schools, and the Martinsville Community Recreation Association.
LD was a lifelong member of McCabe Memorial Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a Trustee and Deacon. He embodied the principles of servant leadership in all areas of his life.
An avid golfer and passionate NASCAR fan, LD found great joy in both. He cherished time spent on the golf course with friends, his son, son-in-law, and his granddaughters & their husbands. A founding member of the Martinsville Speedway 500 Committee, he remained active until 2021 and enjoyed attending races with loved ones and following the sport throughout his life.
Above all, LD’s greatest joy was his family. His love for Retha was unwavering—he never missed a chance to proudly introduce her as his beautiful wife. His pride in his children and delight in his granddaughters were boundless. His warmth, leadership, and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A celebration honoring LD's life will be held at McCabe Memorial Baptist Church. Friends and family are invited to Visitation from 5-8pm on Friday, May 23rd, followed by his funeral service at 11am on Saturday, May 24th.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to
McCabe Memorial Baptist Church, 107 Clearview Drive Martinsville, VA 24115, Phone: (276) 638-7824 or to the Grace Network of Martinsville & Henry County, P.O. Box 3902 Martinsville, VA 24115
Phone, (276) 638-8500.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com
