William & Barbara Oakes

William Henry Oakes, 82 and Barbara Ina (Dow) Oakes, 75, of West Branch, were called home to their Lord Sunday, July 7th, 2013. Barbara was born June 17, 1938 in East Jordan to Elgie and Ina (Hutton) Dow. She is survived by her two sisters Marietta (Bill) Kusey of Mio and Shirley (Walter, deceased) Drouse of Standish. Bill was born May 15, 1931 in Flint to Earl and Anna (Buckel) Oakes. He lived most of his life in West Branch. He is survived by four sisters; Joan (Lowell, deceased) Gustafson of Aurora, CO, Shirley (Leo, deceased) Bennett of West Branch, Doris (Leonard) Grezeszak of Rose City, and Verna (Paul) Wright of West Branch. He is preceded in death by his brother, Leo Oakes. Surviving are their five children and nine grandchildren, Kathy Dungey (daughter Rachel Dungey), Bonnie (John) Marsiglia (son Tony Marsiglia), Bill (Judy O’Loane) Oakes (his children Dakota and Kara Oakes), Rosemarie (Dan) Ferrell (children Dan and Ashley Ferrell) and Bob (Allison) Oakes (daughter Bryn Oakes, his children Stefanie Sylvester and Zachary Oakes) plus many nieces and nephews. Bill and Barbara were married in 1957 and have lived their lives in West Branch. Bill has enjoyed varying occupations as a dairy farmer, sawmill owner and the last 14 years as clerk for Green Ace Hardware. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and hunting. In the past he served as usher at Calvary Baptist Church. Barbara provided for her family as homemaker and in the past clerked for Kmart. She enjoyed painting as well as writing poetry. They both cherished their time spent with family and friends. Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin Wednesday, July 10, 2013 from 1-9 PM. The Funeral Service will be held Thursday, July 11, 2013 at Calvary Baptist Church at 11:00 AM with visitation at 10:00 AM until time of service. Pastor Tom Teall will officiate. Memorial Contributions may be made to the family.