Donald Wayne Oakes, 80, of Indianola, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Donald was born March 14, 1945, in Greenwood, to Luther Bryan Oakes and Daisy Cook Oakes. He was raised in Moorhead, where he graduated from Moorhead High School. Donald met Sherry Davis when he was in high school, and when her family decided to move to Lubbock, Texas, in 1964, he hooked his car onto the U-Haul and went with them. He and Sherry married in October 1964 and lived in Lubbock until moving to Indianola in 1967. Donald began his trucking career with a bob truck hauling fruit, and through his 57-year career, he expanded Oakes Trucking into a large trucking operation. He was a kind man with a loving heart. Donald would always take care of everyone else first and wanted to make sure everyone was happy. He enjoyed his days spent on his houseboat and pontoon boat on Lake Ferguson. His family and friends made many memories on the lake. Donald served on the Greenville Yacht Club Board of Directors for 11 years. He had an uncanny sense of humor. Unlike some, he was a man of many words. Donald loved to visit with his friends and had such a magnetic personality that he could draw anyone in with his storytelling. No one ever knew whether to take him seriously, but they loved him instantly. Above all, he was a devoted family man. Donald loved his family with all his heart and would do anything for them, especially his grandchildren. He was a member of Eastwood Baptist Church in Indianola.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Daisy Oakes; four sisters, Maxine Oakes, Maggie Louise Oakes, Juanita Oakes Whatley, and Martha Oakes Mooney; and two brothers, Luther B. Oakes, Jr., and James A. Oakes.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sherry Davis Oakes of Indianola; daughter, Tracy Oakes Lester (Hubert) of Inverness; son, Kevin Oakes of Indianola; brother, James W. Oakes (Donna) of Grand Bay, Alabama; sister, Geneva Bragg of Panama City, Florida; six grandchildren, Brittany Jordan (Michael), Ryan Lester (Jenna), Baylee Oakes, Wesley Lester, Millie Oakes, and Khloe Oakes; four great grandchildren, Jax Lester, Dawson Lester, Taylor Jordan, and Steely Jordan; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Eastwood Baptist Church in Indianola from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 2:30 p.m., with Rev. Jimmy Pender officiating. Burial will follow in Indianola City Cemetery. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude or Eastwood Baptist Church.