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Roy Russell Oakes, Colonel USAF Retired, died tragically on October 13, 2005 in his home in Albuquerque, NM. Col. Oakes was a 1948 graduate from Russellville, KY High School. He attended Bowling Green Business University and was a Radio Operator for the Kentucky State Police prior to entering the United States Air Force in 1951. Roy married the former Lorraine Davis from Springer, NM in 1953 after his graduation from Aviation Cadets. He completed pilot training and was assigned to the Air Refueling Wing at Barksdale AFB, LA where he started his flight career in the KC-97. He logged over 10,000 flight hours in multiple aircraft over his 27 years in the USAF. He was the Senior Pilot for the USAF Chief of Staff's aircraft Project "Speckled Trout", a modified KC-135, and was involved in numerous research and development projects that are now incorporated in both military and civilian aircraft today. His military service extended worldwide to include Vietnam, Thailand, and Germany. He was a USAF Command Pilot and was awarded many decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Medal and the AF Commendation Medal. Col. Oakes retired from the USAF in 1977 and settled with Lorraine in the Albuquerque area where he was an active member of the community until his death. Roy was many things to many people: a patriot, an avid sportsman, handy man, expert woodworker, collector, husband, father, and to many, a good friend. Roy never met a stranger. He will be missed. Col. Oakes' Memorial Service will be held Friday, October 28, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation prior to the Service in the Fitzgerald and Son Funeral Home at 3113 Carlisle NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. He will be interred next to his wife with full military honors at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Suggest a donation to the American Red Cross in lieu of flowers. He is survived by his sister, Mrs. Bettye Hart of Nashville, TN; and his two sons, John Oakes of Nashville, TN and Lt. Col. Michael Oakes (USAF Ret.) of Yorktown, VA; three grandchildren, Stephanie, Kelly, and Caleb; his aunt, Lavina; and his nieces and nephew, Merra, Lorrie, and Jimmy.
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