WESTBROOK – Donald Earl Oakes, 86, a resident of Wilton, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, with his wife Louise and family by his side at daughter Diane’s home in Westbrook, where he was cared for by daughter Dolores.

Donald was born in Lewiston on June 4, 1936, the fifth child of seven to Harold and Dorothy (Mason) Oakes. Don attended one year of school in Rangeley and then attended Jay Schools where he graduated Jay High School in 1955. He enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, and football for 4 years.

He married Louise “Dolly” M. Cornelio on Sept. 17, 1955, at St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church in Riley, Maine, by Father William J. Kelly. Don was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church in Jay.

Don and Louise bought a home in Wilton where they raised their seven children. Don coached the Giants Little League football team for 10 years and coached Little League Baseball for 3 years. He received an award from the Senate of Representatives for his baseball career in High School and for coaching youth sports.

On July 29, 2007, Don was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in Portland. Attending this event was his wife, seven children, their spouses, and many grandchildren. Don was an excellent Southpaw (left-handed) pitcher and pitched 2 no-hitters, one during his high school career and one in a semi-pro league he played in.

Don retired from Otis Paper Mill in 1999 after 45 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He was fortunate enough to get 3 hole-in-ones.

Don and Dolly enjoyed traveling to watch their son Daniel at his college golf tournaments. They also enjoyed trips to Florida, Branson, Missouri, Canada, and the US Virgin Islands. In more recent years, Don and wife Dolly enjoyed singing karaoke with daughter Debbie. Don’s favorite song was Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers, which he often received a standing ovation for. Lately, his newest hobby was to play the harmonica every day.

Don and Dolly were able to celebrate their 67TH wedding anniversary this past September at La Fleurs Restaurant in Jay with singer Sammy Angel as the entertainment.

Don is survived by his wife Louise “Dolly” Oakes; daughters Debra Marquis of Hartford, Diane Oakes of Westbrook, Dolores Tuttle of Wilton, sons David Oakes and wife Sue of Dixfield, Donald Oakes and wife Teresa of Livermore, daughter Doreen Swain and husband Shepard of New Vineyard, and son Daniel Oakes and wife Yuleide of Farmington. He is also survived by sister-in-law Arlene Cornelio of Auburn, brothers-in-law James Cornelio of Brunswick and Thomas Cornelio of Jay, sister-in-law Gloria Tardif and husband Richard of Jay, brother-in-law Richard Beaulieu of Mercer; 19 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Don was predeceased by his parents Harold and Dorothy; his brothers Russell and Robert Oakes, and his sisters Shirley Bernard, Pauline Kittridge, Leatrice Orr, and Frances Beaulieu.

The family would like to thank the wonderful people from Beacon Hospice House (Amedisys Home Health) that assisted Don at home during this time. Also, a special thank you to Jean DeCormier for offering Communion and prayers every week. Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at St. Rose of Lima Church, 1 Church Street, Jay, Maine. Visitation will be held 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, at FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 15 Church Street, Livermore Falls, Maine. Interment in the spring at Holy Cross Cemetery, 445 Park Street, Livermore Falls, Maine.

In lieu of flowers,

the family would like to suggest donations be made in Don’s memory to:

VFW Post 3335

64 Jewell St.

Jay, ME 04239

where Don frequently sang karaoke and met up with friends or to:

Amedisys Foundation

3854 American Way

Suite A

Baton Rouge, LA 70816

who provided Hospice Care

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