Calvin Oakes

Calvin C. Oakes, 90, died on May 3, 2015 at Danville Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his family. He was born in Swansonville to Mary Lovelace Oakes and the Rev. William H. Oakes, who predeceased him, as did his sister, Eva O. Rorer. He was a lifelong farmer and county resident. He married the former Zada Prillaman, who survives. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. He also is survived by three children, Donna O. Jones (Roy) of Danville, Gary C. Oakes (Gail) of Chatham, Joy M. Oakes (Tom Cassidy) of Arlington; four grandchildren, Michael Cassidy of Virginia Beach, Hannah Oakes of Roanoke, Sean Cassidy of Arlington, and Rhonda Holley, and many other relatives. He purchased the Chatham Monument Company in the 1960s, and established Oakes Memorials. At heart a cowboy, he had a lifelong passion for raising Angus cattle, and sold his last herd only about a year ago. He served one term on the Pittsylvania County School Board in the 1970s. The family will receive friends at Townes Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. A Christian service to celebrate his life will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Oakes Memorial Baptist Church in Swansonville. Burial will follow in the Boaz family cemetery nearby. Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main Street, is serving the Oakes family.