Alex H. Oakes, Sr

Mr. Alex H. Oakes, Sr., 83 of TSIIONKWANONHSOTET Nursing Home died Thursday July 10, 2008 at the nursing home, where he had been a patient since Dec., 2006.

He was born August 14, 1924 in St. Regis, Quebec, the son of the late Richard and Margaret (Brown) Oakes. He attended St. Regis Island School and then the St. Regis Village School. He married Irene Conners on Feb. 1, 1943 at St. Regis Catholic Church, she died June 19, 1974. He then married Eunice Gibbs June 5, 1976 at the United Church of Christ in Massena, NY, by Rev. Douglas G. Fowler.

He was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne during WWII, member of the very first Airborne Division of the U.S.Army. He parachuted into St. Marie Eglise the night before D-Day invasion, Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands as well as the Battle of the Bulge. He recieved two purple hearts and Bronze Star for Valor. Mr. Oakes was and Ironworker with Local #60, Syracuse, NY fro 45 years

He was founder and a commander for the D.A.V.in Hogansburg, a life member of the Hogansburg American Legion #1479 and the VFW Earl Santimaw Post #1143 in Massena, N.Y.

He was grandchief of the Mohawk Council in Akwesasne, Quebec in 1958.. Alex was an avid fisherman and guide for muskie, loved wild life, shows and books. He enjoyed pies and loved his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Eunice, St. Regis Nursing Home, Massena

5 children and their spouses Wendell and Patti Oakes, Canton, Michigan

Patricia Oakes, Niagara Falls, Ontario

Janice and Kerry Epple, Simcae, Ontario

Alexander and Elizabeth Oakes, Hampton, Virginia

Sherry Shawkence, London, Ontario

6 Grandchildren, 1 sister Bernice M. Papineau, Snye, Quebec

Many nieces and nephews and cousins

He was predeceased by 5 brothers and 5 sisters, Arthur, Ross, Thomas, Francis and Joseph at age 12

Charlotte Morey, Mabel Canada, Dorothy Lazore, Katherine Sawatis and Anna May Flagg.

The family will receive friends Sat 7-9 and 2-4 and 7-9 Sunday at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday 11:00 am at the St. Regis Catholic Church with the Rev. George Belgarde S.J.

Burial will follow in Kateri Cemetery, Hogansburg, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Activity Fund at the Nursing Home, Cornwall Island or the D.A.V.

Condolences may be made online http://www.donaldsonfh.com