John R. ‘Jack’ Oakes, 79, of 91 Sears Island Dr., died Saturday evening, June 22, 2013 at St. Francis Home, after a long illness. His wife of 56 years, Mary Ellen (McLennon) Oakes, died January 10, 2012. He leaves 2 sons, John F. Oakes and his wife Lynn of New Hampshire, Thomas F. Oakes and his companion Maryanne O’Toole of Dudley; a daughter, Bonnie Joyce Markarian and her husband Nathaniel of Worcester; a sister, Mary E. Butterfield of Holden; 8 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A daughter, Lima T. “Terry” Oakes and a sister, Lima M. O’Malley, both predeceased him.
     He was born and raised in Worcester, son of the late Frederick J. and Lima G. (Healy) Oakes. After graduating from high school he served in the U.S. Navy and was a Veteran of the Korean War.
     Jack was a custodian with the Worcester Public Schools for many years. He previously worked at Thompson Wire Co. He had also worked as a bartender and as a barber. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. He enjoyed traveling and was an avid golfer.
     A CALLING HOUR will be held from 9:15 to 10:15 A.M. on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26 at KELLY FUNERAL HOME, 154 Lincoln St., followed by a FUNERAL MASS at 11 A.M. at IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, 353 Grove St. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton, MA.