Terry Oaks

Terry Oaks

Terry Oaks
July 17, 1952 – March 24, 2013
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 60
Loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather
Semper Fi

Terry Dean Oaks, 60, of Oskaloosa, died Sunday, March 24, 2013, at his home in Oskaloosa, with his wife Carol by his side.

Terry was born July 17, 1952, in Denver, Colorado, the son of George and Dorothy Hoschouer Oaks. Terry entered the United States Marine Corps in December of 1969. He began his Marine Corps career as a grunt. As he furthered his training and continued to show his loyalty to the Marines, his responsibilities became greater. While our country was involved in Operation Desert Storm, Terry served as a communication chief. During this time he was granted top secret security clearance. He and his family also lived in Okinawa, Japan, for three years. Terry was a model Marine. In everything he did, he gave everything he had. This commitment to the Corps and our country was recognized when Master Sergeant Oaks received a letter of Commendation from Brigadier General Christmas. This was a highlight of Terry’s career. He retired from the Marine Corps in August of 1991. On July 10, 1987, he was united in marriage to Carol Runyon at Jacksonville, North Carolina. Terry and Carol spent 27 wonderful years together. Following his military career, Terry and Carol moved to Oskaloosa and Terry went to work for I.C.I.’s Oskaloosa office. He was an avid bowler. He has many 300 games to his credit. His love and talent for bowling, led him to spend some time on the P.B.A. Seniors Tour. He also enjoyed playing golf, racquetball and was an avid NASCAR fan. Terry was devoted to his family. He was a top notch husband, father and grandfather, and his family was the center of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Oaks of Oskaloosa; Terry and Carol have three children together, Christy (& Bryon) Bellinger of New Sharon, Ryan Oaks (& Victoria Beerends) of Oskaloosa, and Terra Oaks (& Michael Hora) of Oskaloosa; and their children, Terryk Bellinger, Gavin Oaks, and James Dean Oaks; Terry’s children from a former marriage, Tammy (& Danny) Burnett in Texas, Wendy (& Sean) Garrett of Oskaloosa, and Jennifer Harbour of Oskaloosa; and their children, Tiffany Hale, Colton Oaks, Terrandon Oaks, Trinity Garrett, Connor Harbour, Chloe Harbour, Deziray Harbour, Delaney Harbour; his brother, Larry (& Lori) Oaks of Oskaloosa; two sisters, Patricia Oaks of Greeley, Colorado, and Brenda Ham of Denver Colorado; and his mother in law, Peggy Baker of Greencastle, Pennsylvania.

Terry was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Terri Oaks; his parents; and a special aunt, Donna London.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 28, 2013, at 1 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating. Military Honors will follow the funeral ceremony at the Bates Funeral Chapel.
As was Terry’s wish, his body will be cremated following the funeral. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Wednesday after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 6-8 Wednesday evening to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to MHP Hospice Serenity House.
“Semper Fi“