Elmer Herman Oaks Sr.

Elmer Herman Oaks Sr. age 89, Russiaville, Indiana, died at 10:32 PM Thursday April 23, 2009 at his home. He was born March 26, 1920 in Estill Co., Kentucky, the son of Claudus & Maggie (Caldwell) Oaks. He married Daisy Alene (Pasley) on October 24, 1944, and she preceded him in death August 17, 1969.

Elmer grew up in Estill Co., Kentucky with his mother, Maggie and his brothers. They farmed the land to survive. His first paying job was delivering the US mail via horseback in the hills of Kentucky.
Elmer served in World War II as part of Company F 159th Infantry Division. He spent several months in Alaska learning to ski in preparation for the war in Europe and was stationed in Europe for cleanup activities after the cease fire. At one point during the war he and four of his brothers were all on active duty. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged on November 9, 1945. During WWII he was awarded with the EAME Theater Ribbon; a Bronze Star; Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon; and a Victory Medal. Upon return from WWII he moved with his wife and newborn child to Peru, IN. He built their home in Miami Co. with the help of his brother, James. He worked various jobs throughout Indiana in the oil fields, foundry and with the railroad until he was able to gain seniority within Delco Radio. He retired after 31 years of service at Delco Electronics in 1981.

He was an active member of Indian Heights Baptist Church for over 25 years, and was an Honorary Deacon. He loved the Lord and enjoyed opportunities to witness his belief with others. He served the Lord in many ways through his Church such as driving the bus; visiting shut ins and new members; working on the Church Building during the expansion. He also loved sports at all levels and was a huge supporter of his grandchildren's activities. His grandchildren were the highlight of his life. Elmer was loved dearly by friends and family and though he will be sadly missed, we know he has safely returned home to be with the Lord.

He is survived by his four children - Betty Herrell and husband (Dennis) of Bunker Hill, Vivian Hans and husband (David) of Ft. Wayne, Elmer Oaks Jr. and wife (Charlene) of Kokomo, and Carol Talbert and husband (Jay) of Russiaville; 10 Grandchildren - Dennis Herrell and wife (Miki), Stephanie Gardner and husband (Todd), Eric Hans, Anthony Hans, Justin Hans, Nathan Oaks, Theresa Oaks Baker and husband (Bennie), Elmer Oaks III and wife (Lisa), Jacklyn Talbert, and Maggie Talbert; 11 Great Grandchildren - Evan Herrell, Avery Herrell, Erin Herrell, Caroline Gardner, Samuel Gardner, Oliver Gardner, Stephan Baker, Benjamin Baker, Reagan Baker, Adam Oaks, and Elmer Andrew Lee Oaks. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and 7 brothers Dewey, Carl, Orville, James, Andrew, Vernon, and Claudus.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday April 28, 2009 at Stout & Son Funeral Home Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St. Russiaville. Pastor Mike Sawyer will officiate. Burial will follow in Ever-Rest Memorial Park Cemetery in Cass Co., Indiana, next to his wife Daisy. Military rites will be performed by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends may call from 4 to 8 PM Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Children's Miracle Network. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.