Tribute Wall
Provide comfort for the family by sending flowers or planting a tree in memory of Brigadier General David Oakes, III.
Guaranteed hand delivery by a local florist
Loading...
T
Tom ONeill posted a condolence
Friday, April 24, 2026
Condolences to Dave's family.
I was lucky to serve as his Vice Commander. He was a professional with a fighter pilot spirit, a true gentleman and an example for all who served with him.
George Patton had an appropriate sentiment. Rather than mourn men like Dave died, we should thank God they lived.
T
Tom Bliss lit a candle
Thursday, April 23, 2026
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_blue.jpg
My very deepest sympathy to the Oakes Family I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Dave was a great leader one of the very best I had ever served with and was truely a close friend. We shared some close both professional and personal discussions.
I fondly remember my visit to the Oakes Farm and Dave and I walking the property and his sharing his memories of the farm. I will remember always the weekend I stayed while attending my Dean Witter training in the twin towers. My very best to Joey and your beautiful and very talented daughters
T
Tom Bliss posted a condolence
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Dave was my friend and one of the finest officers and Commanders in my career.
I fondly remember the weekend I spent with him and his family while in training with Dean Witter in the Twin Towers in New York City. He was a dear friend and will be missed by all
B
Bill Hoge posted a condolence
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Christy: So sorry to hear of passing of your Dad. I had the pleasure of working for him for almost 2 years in Panama. We not only shared a lot of work with the USAF but also with SOUTHCOM. While those are good memories, I really remember the other times with official functions, greeting visitors at Base Ops in the middle of the night and times around the Crud table at the Howard Club.
May you and all his family celebrate his life to the fullest and maintain all the good memories forever.
Bill
C
Christie Oakes Posted Apr 17, 2026 at 9:54 AM
I remember you, Bill! And I remember how my father lived for those Crud nights! I was too young to watch them live but my sister Tiffany was always at the officer's club in the tourney's (her call name was "Shorty") while my dad was the ref! Thank you for sharing your memories! Those were some of the BEST times. And thank you for your kind words!
Hugs,
Christie Oakes
c
cassandra anderson lit a candle
Friday, April 10, 2026
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_blue.jpg
Christy,
Justin and I ( Cassandra) Anderson are so very deeply sorry about the loss of your wonderful father. We have so many good memories of him working on the farm and being around him almost daily for 4 years! It was an honor to know your dad and Justin really looked up to him in so many ways. His hard working and devotion really was so admirable. Knowing your dad, you and your mom (shortly) was really such an honor. Your Fathers life story really was amazing. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers and we are sending you much love during this difficult time.
C
Christie Oakes Posted Apr 17, 2026 at 9:56 AM
Thank you both so much, Cassandra. Your words truly mean a lot to me. I’m so glad you have such special memories with my dad. He really did love those years on the farm and the people he shared them with. It means so much to know he made that kind of impact. Sending love to you and Justin as well.
M
Mary Liethen posted a condolence
Thursday, April 9, 2026
To my Friend. Thank you, I will miss you Dearly.
Brigadier General David Oakes lll as you all know had quite the distinguished career. I am grateful to have known him and to be part of his family with Joanne , Tiffany and Christie Oakes. Our families met in Albuquerque, New Mexico when I was a freshman in High School. We were neighbors. After my Jr. year, my family moved back to Chicago, Illinois and Joanne and Dave offered their home to me so that I would be able to stay and play basketball as we were a state competitive team. I was so lucky to be a part of the Oakes family as a big sister and adopted H.S. kid. We were a great team. I was well taken care of.
Dave had a fun dry sense of humor. After spending time in Florida (training others) he came back with oysters and lobsters. He brought the lobster over to my house next door, knocked on the door and walked this lobster. I think my mom screamed. Pretty funny. Another funny memory was Dave taking Ping Pong and Mahjong their two dogs out in the yard, one under each arm. The sliding glass door was closed and so clean that Dave tried to walk through the door. Both dogs were wagging their tails until they hit the door. Needless to say, all three were stunned. Joanne, myself and the girls busted out laughing. That story still makes me laugh. Trying to revive a fish he caught on a Lake Powell family vacation was funny too.
After New Mexico and when they moved back into the states, I was able to see my second family practically every summer. The Farm was the pride and joy for them. Generations of the Oakes families who lived there before and where Dave grew up with his two sisters. Some of my greatest memories were there. So peaceful.
I shared a love of cars and sports with Dave. Football season was the best. It was really hard when Tiffany passed away and then for Joanne for both Dave and Christie as well as so many others who loved them so. Dave and Christie were warriors.
I am so grateful that Dave found love again with his partner Patricia which was set up by Christie by the way. “What about my Father?” How cool was that? Two people coming together who had both lost their significant other. I’m so bummed it was too short of a time.
ALS robbed my friend of the retirement he deserved. Traveling for fun with Patricia and Christie. Enjoying family life. I am truly grateful for all that you have done for me. I have learned so much (perseverance, integrity, humility, determination, indomitable spirit!)
Much Love to you my friend. See you in Heaven.
Mary McCants Liethen
C
Christie Oakes Posted Apr 17, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Thank you, Mary. I'm so glad you shared some of the funny stories. There are so many with my dad! So many people saw him as the unwavering general. I'm so glad you got to see the funny human side of him too! I'm so grateful that you were a part of our chosen family. You brought so much joy, laughter and support. Thank you for all you did and for being there! Hugs to you!
J
Jean Eells posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2026
Christy, I’m so sorry to hear of David’s passing. I’m proud to say I had the honor of pinning on his wings when he graduated from pilot training at Williams Air Force Base.
C
Christie Oakes Posted Apr 17, 2026 at 10:03 AM
Thank you so much for sharing this, Jean. It truly means a lot to me and my family. What an incredible honor that must have been, and it’s so special to hear from someone who was part of such an important moment in my dad’s life. I’m so grateful you posted!
P
Patty Ambrosi posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2026
Christy, So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Patty Ambosi
S
The family of Brigadier General David Oakes, III uploaded a photo
Saturday, April 4, 2026
/tribute-images/cropped/1095/Brigadier-General-David-Oakes-III.png
Please wait
Share Your Memory of
Brigadier General David
Be the first to upload a memory!
16 RIGHTER AVENUE, DENVILLE, NJ 07834
(973) 627-1880
info@normandean.com
DAVID G. MILNE, MANAGER NJ LIC. NO. 4301
SERVING THE DENVILLE, ROCKAWAY, PARSIPPANY, Mt. Lakes, Boonton,
Morris Plains & SURROUNDING AREAS OF NEW JERSEY SINCE 1957
funeral planning resources
Services We Offer
Jewish Services
Funeral Service Options
* Who's in Charge? *
When Death Occurs
About Burial Services
About Cremation
Eulogies & Obituaries
What To Bring
Things To Discuss
FAQ
Monument Dealers
Veterans Administration
More Information
Memorial Selections