Leo Joseph Oaks Jr

It is with great sadness that the family of Leo J. Oaks Jr of Grants Pass announces his passing on December 23, 2020, at the age of 87. He was born on September 10, 1933, in Los Angeles, CA. He was the youngest child of Violet (Brown) and Leo Joseph Oaks. In 1947 at the age of 14 he accompanied his brother Michael to Grants Pass, settling north of the city off of Jump-Off Joe Creek Rd. He attended Grants Pass High School before joining the Air Force right after his 17th birthday in September 1950, just months after the start of the Korean War. He was stationed at Moses Lake, WA before being transferred to England. He was later decorated with an Honorable Discharge in 1954.

Leo began enjoying sports while in the Air Force. The all-comers events in Grants Pass were some of his favorite times with family. He loved to watch his children excel in these running events, as well as many other sports. Bowling became a family favorite to spend time together with his first wife Molly, son, Bill (William) and his youngest daughter, Kari. He loved watching his son Bill compete in bowling tournaments throughout Oregon. Later in life, it pleased him to watch his granddaughter compete in Cross-Country at the State level.

He retired as a Foreman after 38 years from Miller Redwood (formerly Bates Lumber Company-Plywood Division) in Merlin, OR. After retirement, he attended neighborhood and community events with his second wife, Carol, and their friends. These occasions included membership with the Rogue Valley Symphony, community concerts, and the Dine & Discover (Knife and Fork) Club. Additionally, hiking around the surrounding mines to look for old bottles with his brother Michael, created an interest in the history of Southern Oregon. He is remembered most notably for this deep interest in history, while enjoying the many books from his own personal research library.

Preceded in death were his beloved wife, Molly F. Oaks, mother of his four children whom he married on December 20, 1958 and his son, William Oaks of Grants Pass. Survivors include his second wife, Carol Loros, of Grants Pass, whom he married on June 8, 1991. Leo will be lovingly remembered by his eldest daughter, Jo-ann Oaks of Bothell, WA; son, Steven Oaks and wife, Angela (Ellingson) Oaks of Sherwood, OR; and youngest daughter, Kari Oaks of Dahlonega, GA. Additionally, granddaughter Kaylynn (Oaks) Pedrow and husband, Brandt Pedrow of Kent, WA; brother, Michael Oaks of Grants Pass; and sister, Jo-Ann Seiquist of Los Gatos, CA.

He is interred at Eagle Point National Cemetery, Eagle Point, OR where his father is also laid to rest. Memorial contributions can be made to the place of your choice.