Michael Edward Oakes

Michael Edward Oakes, 73, went to see Jesus face to face on October 15, 2019. He was born in Fayette, Alabama, on January 10, 1946, and liked to tell people he was probably the oldest baby boomer you would ever meet. He grew up in Memphis, graduating from Kingsbury High School in 1965. He earned his BS in Civil Engineering from Memphis State University in 1973, and earned his MS in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkley in 1982.

Michael served as an officer in the US Navy Civil Engineer Corps from 1976 until 1992, during which time he oversaw numerous construction projects, including the “shopping mall” at Guantanamo Bay Naval Air Station. After the Navy, he joined the Shelby County public works department, becoming Shelby County Engineer in 2000. For eleven years, he was responsible for programming, design, and construction management for all major building and civil works projects in the county. His touches of artistry can be seen all over Shelby County, from stonework styling on the bridges of Houston Levee Road to old-fashioned lampposts on the drive out to Shelby Forest. He later served as Director of Public Works for the City of Russellville, Arkansas, where he built what may have been his favorite project—a beautiful bridge designed by him, in Art Deco style.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents Maggie Sue and Marvin Edward Oakes. He is survived by his adoring wife, Lynda Gore Oakes, of Cordova, and daughters Robyn Oakes van Eck (married to Roel) and Lauren Oakes Johnson (married to Ryan). He was “BooPa” to his twelve grandchildren: Audrey, Lieve, Peter, Jonathan, Paul, Michael, Christopher, and Roeltje van Eck; and Hunter Oakes, Ryder Jack, Maggie Myles, and Jude Miller Johnson.

Michael was a longtime member of Bellevue Baptist Church where he deepened his love for and dependence upon Jesus Christ for eternal salvation. He would ask almost everyone he met, “Where would you go if you died today?” Think about it and read the gospel of John!

The family will receive friends Friday, October 18th from 10am-12pm at Bellevue Baptist Church-Pollard Chapel with funeral services to follow at 12pm. The burial will take place Thursday, October 24th at 11am at West TN Veterans Cemetery.