Paul Ray Oakes, Sr.

Funeral services for Paul Ray Oakes, Sr., of Hugo, Okla., were held at 2 p.m. March 20, 2021 at First Assembly of God in Hugo.

Paul Oakes, Sr., 81 of Hugo, gained his heavenly home on Tuesday, March 16, 2021.

Deeply loved by his wife, Julie and children: Paul Oakes, Jr., Gail Allen, Cindy Merriman and Michael Oakes, as well as his beloved in-law children: Diana Oakes, Shane Allen and Steve Merriman. He was greatly blessed with 12 grandchildren: Tyler Oakes and wife, Tammy, Trey Oakes and wife, Ashlee, Kolton Oakes, Shane Taylor, Brant Allen and wife, Brandi, Aubrey Maynard and husband, Tony, Kent Carter and wife, Bobbye, Kurt Carter and LaKayn, Candace Hull and husband, JT, Stevie Merriman and wife, Tara, and Robbi Merriman and wife, Melanie; 19 great-grandchildren: Shawn, Maddox, Karter, Waylon and CJ, Bryer, Sadie, Jayton, Hayli, Hadli and Sydni, Hannah, July, AnnaKay, Blakelee, Kaden, Brylen, Marlee and Micajah. He was preceded in death by his first grandchild, Craig Adam Taylor.

Paul was the son of late Henry Frank Oakes and Ella Richards Oakes. He was also preceded in death by his brothers: Homer, Mann, Judge and Tommy; sisters: Corine Spring, Bealy Green, Florence Higgins, Frankie Yeley, Juanita Oakes and Janette James. He is survived by his sister, Maudine Johnson currently living in Owasso, Okla.

Paul was born and raised in Hugo and contributed much to society. Paul served in the U.S. Army from 1959-1962 in stations located at Ft. Hood, Texas, Ft. Bragg, N.C., and Ft. Polk, La., during the Cuban Crisis. He moved the family to Dallas in 1963 and returned to Hugo in 1972, and quickly hired on with Frisco Railroad, which eventually merged with Burlington Northern Railroad which required more time away from home. Since he chose to be home with his family, he left the railroad and started his own business, Paul’s Insulation and Fencing. There are many Hugo homes much warmer now and strong fences keeping the kids safe. After a couple of years of improving life for others, his love for the railroad called him back. He went to work for Texas Northeastern Railway, and because of his knowledge and experience, he was hired as Roadmaster which covered the tracks from Sherman, Texas, to Texarkana, Ark. He rode those tracks everyday making sure they were safe for the next trains, while still having the ability to be home each night. He retired in 1994 as Roadmaster.

Paul served as Hugo City Councilman and Police Reserve Officer. He was associated with Hugo Church of God for many years and then Assembly of God. He selflessly helped Julie at the Kid’s Krusade at the Main St. Church of God each summer as they shared the love of God and packed every seat with local children. Paul and Julie faithfully served God, and the Christian heritage they gave their children and future generations will forever be honored. His kids will tell you, one of their greatest memories is hearing their daddy pray.

After retirement, Paul traveled with Julie as she climbed the ranks of Walmart. Their journey began in 1995 in Eldorado, Ark., then to Monroe, La., then Claremore, Okla., and retiring at Mineola, Texas, in 2012. They then returned home to reestablish their home base back to Hugo. Paul enjoyed sitting on his back deck watching the birds and cows, and the occasional deer. This was his favorite gathering place with the family, as they did often with the kids, grandkids and the great-grandkids. One thing he was never short of is love… giving or receiving.

Interment followed the service at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with Brant Allen, Bro. Keithen Brown and Ricky Johnson officiating, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.

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