Robert "Bob" Lee Oakes

Robert “Bob” Lee Oakes, 88, of Knightstown passed away peacefully on Monday, August, 14, 2023 at his residence following an extended illness. He was born March 22, 1935 in Smiths Grove, Kentucky the son of the late George Clem and Nellie (Russell) Oakes.

Bob attended Warren Central High School in Smiths Grove, KY and at the age of 17 joined the US Navy where he proudly served his country during the Korean War. Bob devoted his career to the Auto parts industry where he spent a total 50 years serving many of those years in management. He started out at Guarantee Auto in Muncie for 27 years and then was employed 23 years at Auto Zone in Indianapolis prior to retiring from the Greenfield store.

Bob is survived by his wife of 37 years, Fran Oakes of Knightstown; children, Robert Lee Oakes II of Allen, TX, Chad Tyler Oakes of Crown Point, Richard Messer of Muncie, Greg Messer of Muncie and Diana (Chris) Schombert of Knightstown; grandchildren, Bowen, Madilyn, Jon, Andrew, Aleigha, Holly and CJ; great grandchildren, Corbin, June and Madison; brother, Chester (Mary Grace) Oakes of AZ.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Nathan Oakes.

The Oakes family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Heart to Heart Hospice and Middletown Heath Care who have provided exceptional care during Bob’s illness.

Services will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in Knightstown with Dennis Muncy officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cove Cemetery with military honors provided by the Knightstown American Legion Post #152 and the US Navy. Visitation will be from 4:00pm-8:00pm Wednesday and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. You may express condolences or share memories of Bob at www.hinsey-brown.com .