Benjamin Warren Oaks

Benjamin Warren Oaks, of Grants Pass, OR passed away on Sep 19, 2011. Prior to living in Grants Pass, “Ben” lived for many years in Brookings, OR.

Born June 1, 1938 to Marvin Emanuel Oaks, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Reed) Oaks, in Akron, Ohio, Ben was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and 1 sister. He is survived by 1 son, 2 grand-sons, 1 grand-daughter and 4 great-grand-children.

Ben Oaks was a retired member of the U.S. Army. During his 22 year career, he performed many different specialties and served at many duty stations throughout the world, including 3 combat tours in the Republic of Vietnam, for which he earned 2 Bronze Star Medals and numerous other citations.

After retirement from the Army, Ben continued to develop an electronics aptitude. He designed numerous alarm and surveillance systems throughout the U.S. His designs were pre-cursors to systems in use today!

One such system was utilized by a wildlife game preserve. His work was recognized in an article published by the Smithsonian Institute.

“Gentle Ben” as he was known to many of his close friends, was a quietly charitable person. He often donated service or goods to those in greater need, always on the condition of anonymity.

During the last decade of his life, Ben was able to develop a lasting relationship with his son and grandchildren. He left this earthly existence knowing that he had family that loved him.

A memorial service, with full military honors, will be held at Eagle Point National Cemetery, Eagle Point, OR, on Oct 9, 2011 at 11:00a.m.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made, in Ben’s honor, to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (http://vfw.org/).