Levi Shane Oakes passed away Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston of cardiac arrest.
He was born July 27, 1959, to Bruce and Alcie (Smith) Oakes in Moscow. He grew up in Moscow, graduating in 1977 from Moscow High School. In 1970, he and his father, Bruce, started building "Oakes Boats." Levi went on to become a third-generation pipefitter/welder of United Association Local No. 44 and worked many jobs throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. At the time of his death, he was superintendent for R.M. Mechanical for the past 18 years. He oversaw many projects and was proud of the company he worked for and the people he worked with. He was a perfectionist and excelled in his trade.
He enjoyed his family and spending time with them. He loved hunting, camping, traveling, his Harley-Davidson, spending time at their cabin in Dixie and boating in the summer. He lived and loved life to the fullest.
Levi married Shelley Chestnut (deceased), and they had three children. He later married Jackie Johnson Gruell in 1986; they celebrated 30 years of marriage this year.
Levi leaves his wife, Jackie; his children, Kenneth (Rheanda) Oakes, Kim (Ryan) Moss, Heidi (Aaron) Wolf, Mike (Abbi) Gruell, all of Lewiston, and Megan (Levi) Borgen of Coeur d'Alene; father Bruce Oakes of Asotin; mother Alcie of Clarkston; grandma Helen of Clarkston; his "favorite mother-in-law" Eva and husband Garylee Berry of Lewiston; sister-in-law Janis Johnson; and brother-in-law Scott Johnson. He also leaves behind his 10 grandchildren he loved and adored, along with many, many longtime friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandpa, Hollis Oakes; grandparents Marion and Gladys Smith; and father-in-law Leonard Johnson.
He is dearly loved and will be sorely missed.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Wednesday, September 28, 11:00 AM
- Location
-
Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home
920-21st Avenue
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
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Condolences
Mark A. Johnson
Had the pleasure of getting to know and work closely with Levi during the construction of our new terminal in the Port of Wilma. Levi had an amazing ability to find the humor in things, especially when things were stressful. After our project was completed, we all enjoyed Levi's follow up visits. Levi was a good man and consummate professional. We at the McGregor company extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and his coworkers at R & M. He will be sorely missed.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016 10:05 AM
Arleen Pence
Was very sorry to hear about Levi's passing and my sincere sympathy to his mother and family.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016 7:16 AM
Vince and Irma
Our truly heartfelt condolences to the family. Levi was our friend and such a very good man. He is going to be missed by so many people and family.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016 11:37 AM
The Chudy Family
Words cannot express the sadness we feel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
You will be missed Levi, you will be in our hearts and thoughts on every ride.
Friday, September 23, 2016 10:29 AM
Lynn Guyer
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Levi. Way to young. As the Warden at North Idaho Correctional Institution R & M did numerous projects for us. He was a great individual. My deapest sympathy to your family
Thursday, September 22, 2016 9:37 AM
Lynn Guyer
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Levi. Way to young. As the Warden at North Idaho Correctional Institution R & M did numerous projects for us. He was a great individual. My deapest sympathy to your family
Thursday, September 22, 2016 9:37 AM
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