David W. “Oakie” Oakes

David W. “Oakie” Oakes, 69, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, in the Hennis Healthcare Centre in Dover, Ohio. 

Formerly of Carrollton, he was born Dec. 10, 1953, in Canton, OH to the late Reginald and Ruth (Reed) Oakes. Grandparents were Frank and Sarah Oakes and Frank and Rhoda Reed. He was a 1972 graduate Perry High School in Massillon. He spent many happy hours at the University of Akron where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. He was an all sports fan and once served as a Carrollton Little Warriors football coach. He was a rabid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes along with his Aunt Vera and Uncle Clayton Gourley of Athens, TN who survive. He was also proceeded in death by a brother, Frank

He is also survived by his step-daughter Kristen (John) Buchanan and son Brody; and two nephews; great-nieces and – nephews and cousins.

Dave lived life exuberantly. He was a big man known for his humor and kindness. Dave had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went. He is survived by best friends, Jim and Carol Myers; Jason, Erin and Quinne Myers; Skip Campbell; Joe Harris; Kathy Steinmetz; Jack Hall; Linda Howell; Matt Howell and Annette Cookson, and many more too numerous to mention.

His favorite charity was St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. 

He asked to have put in his obituary the statement, “I’m dead so what”.  Listen to some ELO, drink a beer and remember Dave.

Dave’s wishes were to be cremated. Jim and Carol Myers will hold a memorial gathering to honor his fantastic life at a later date. The Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home in Sherrodsville has been entrusted with his arrangements. To leave an online condolence message, please visit the funeral home website