Paul Morris Oaks, 82, of DeGraff, died at 1:12 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2004, at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima.
Born Dec. 16, 1921, in Montgomery County, he was a son of the late John Samuel and Lova Belle Ward Oaks.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Ray, Harley, Roger and Robert Oaks, and one sister, Glenna Oaks.
Survivors include his wife, the former Rachel Ann Hovis, whom he married June 7, 1942, in Jackson Center; one brother, Eugene (Dortha) Oaks of Kerman, Calif.; two sons, Ronald ( Yvonne) Oaks and Steven (Becky) Oaks, both of Bellefontaine; three daughters, Brenda (Daniel) Wray of Denver, Theodora "Teddy" (Glenn) Oaks-Clark of Las Vegas and Paula McFarlin of DeGraff; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
A 1939 graduate of the DeGraff Local Schools, he served in the United States Army Medical Corps in Europe during World War II. He retired from the Jewel Tea Company after many years of route sales. He enjoyed traveling, camping, yard work, playing cards and games with his family and friends. An active member of the DeGraff United Methodist Church, he participated in the church bowling league for more than 40 years.
At his request, no public viewing will be conducted and his body will be cremated. A memorial service will take place at the DeGraff United Methodist Church in the near future with the Rev. Terry G. Washburn officiating. The Rexer-Riggin-Madden Funeral Home in DeGraff is handleing the arrangements.
Memorial contibutions may be made to the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.
