Freestone County lost one of their own last week when County Commissioner Craig Oakes passed away after sustaining injuries during an accident while working with his cattle.
Commissioner Oakes passed away at Baylor Hospital in Dallas Texas, March 22, 2022.
Funeral services for Craig Oakes were held on Sunday March 27, 2022 at 3:00 pm, at First Baptist Church, Teague. Bro. Roy Prather and Bro. Scott Matthews officiated. Interment followed at Oakes Cemetery with Bro. Shaun Sifford officiating the committal service.
Oakes was born to Tommie and Hazel Oakes on February 9, 1952. He grew up in Donie and enjoyed his childhood with his family. He loved the outdoors his entire life and spent many hours hunting and fishing. He attended school in Donie thru the sixth grade, then went on to Jr. High and High School in Teague graduating in 1970.
Craig met his wife, Melodye Duke Oakes in 1975. They shared 46 years of marriage. They raised their children Amy and Tommie in Donie and Teague.
Commissioner Craig Oakes was a partner to a family feed and fertilize business, Oakes & Turner Feed for 12 years. He was employed at Northwestern Resources for 16 years. He was elected Freestone County Commissioner of Precinct No. 2 in 2002, and was sworn into office on January 1, 2003. He proudly served the citizens of precinct 2 for 19 years and three months.
Oakes loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids. He was their biggest fan and followed them wherever their interests led. From rodeos to basketball, football, volleyball or steer shows, he tried to make them all and enjoyed every minute of it.
He is survived by wife, Melodye Oakes, daughter, Amy Silar and husband Matt, his son, Tommie Oakes and wife Christi ; four grandchildren, Wes Silar, Annie Oakes, Korey Silar and Ava Oakes; special nephew Anson Rhea; one brother Wayland Oakes and wife Helen; three sisters, Geri Baker, Darlene Reynolds and husband Waydell, and Kathy Schill and husband Don; father and mother-in-law, Bobby and Barbara Duke; brother-in-law, Mark Duke and wife Teresa; numerous nieces and nephews special friends and co-workers who he loved so much.
Oakes was preceded in death by parents, Tommie and Hazel Oakes.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Eighth Avenue Baptist Church, 201 S. 8th Ave., Teague, Tx 75860 or to First Baptist Church of Donie, P.O. Box 92, Donie, Tx. 75838.
