Randall K. Oakes

ELKHART — Randall Kent Oakes, 71, passed away Friday morning, Jan. 19, 2018, at his home, following a battle with cancer. 

He was born Dec. 28, 1946, in Elkhart, to the late Albert E. and Lois Mae (Kluth) Oakes. 

He married Lillian F. Miller on June 25, 1977, in Elkhart. 

Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Lillian; three sons, James (Cindy) Zellers, Quinton “Tony” (Shannon) Oakes and Kevin (Amy) Oakes; two daughters, Tina (David) Schulz and Rita (Aaron) Tiffany; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother Brian (Chris) Oakes; and sister Sally (Greg Stack) Reedy. 

Randall was a self-employed flooring contractor for more than 25 years, and in his earlier years worked for CTS Corp. for 17 years, Transamerica and Kountry Kustom Kitchens. 

Randall was a 1965 graduate of Concord High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 until his honorable discharge in 1969. 

He was an avid motorcycle rider, enjoyed bowling, playing volleyball, softball and table tennis at the YMCA. 

He loved camping and spending time with his family and friends. 

Randall, better known by “Randy”, was the type of man who never knew a stranger and was the epitome of selflessness. 

He upheld the saying, “Giving the shirt off your back” to help another. 

He was the type of father, grandfather and great-grandfather who got down on the floor and played with the children. 

His greatest legacy was upholding the motto, “God, Country and Family.” 

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at Sugar Grove Church, 58512 Old C.R. 17, Goshen. 

Services celebrating Randall’s life will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26, with visitation one hour prior, also at Sugar Grove Church. 

Pastors Tony Tice and John Ware will officiate. 

Military honors by the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard and DAV No. 19 will follow the service. 

Per his wishes, cremation will follow, with interment at a later date at the Veteran’s Tower, Prairie Street Cemetery. 

The family kindly request any memorial contributions be made in Randall’s memory to Sugar Grove Church.  

Arrangements are under the care of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart. 

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