Landon Edward Oakes

Notes:

Star-Tribune (Chatham, VA) - Thursday, March 4, 2004

Landon Edward Oakes, 392 Oakes-Stanfield Road, Chatham, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004, at his residence.

Born in Pittsylvania County on Jan. 27, 1924, he was a son of the late Henry Austin Oakes and Lou Emma Reynolds Oakes.

Mr. Oakes was a retired dairy farmer from the Callands community who owned and operated one of Virginia's largest dairy farms until 1988. Active in the dairy industry for over 40 years, he retired in 1988. During those 40 years he served his fellow dairymen on many local, state and national dairy boards and was often asked to give Congressional testimony on behalf of his fellow producers.

Mr. Oakes was a veteran of World War II and was wounded while serving with the 6th U.S. Marine Division at the battle for Sugar Loaf Hill in Okinawa, Japan.

In 1987 he returned to the island to help dedicate a joint memorial to honor those who died on both sides.

Mr. Oakes often stated that one of the greatest honors of his life was reading Bible scriptures and giving the benediction at that service, and believed that the memorial illustrates that peace is more powerful than war. He was a faithful member of Liberty Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher, and was active on many committees.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ollie Hodnett Oakes, and 22 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Henry N. Oakes, J. Clyde Oakes, and Walter S. Oakes; five sisters, Pearl Oakes Gregory, Daisy Oakes Edwards, Louise Oakes Hamer, Viola Oakes Geier, and Gladys Oakes; and four nieces and nephews.

The funeral was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Liberty Baptist Church, Callands, with the Rev. Darryl Joyce officiating. Interment was in Highland Burial Park with military rites by the American Legion Post 1097, Danville.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Liberty Baptist Church Building fund or the Callands Volunteer Fire Department.