Raymond C. Oakley
October 06, 2011
Raymond C. Oakley was born on October 2, 1939 to Robert and Helen Oakley in Osceola, Iowa. He died on October 6, 2011 at the Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines, Iowa.
Ray graduated from Des Moines Roosevelt in 1957. He received his BA from the University of Illinois and earned his MBA from University of Kansas. He was an Officer in the U.S. Army serving in Europe after completing his education. Ray became the fifth generation member of his family to work for the John Deere Company. He retired after thirty five years working in the offices in Moline, St. Louis, Denver and Des Moines. Ray was an avid pilot and flight instructor. He enjoyed performing aerobatics in his Great Lakes bi-plane.
Ray is survived by his wife of twenty five years, Mardelle Abram Oakley; his brother Brice (Jo Oldson) Oakley, Des Moines; his brothers-in-law, David (Joan) Abram, Des Moines, Donald (Jennette) Abram, Denver, Co.
A private family service will be held at Resthaven Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League where Ray was a faithful volunteer dog walker. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Bill & Marilyn Kleman
10/22/2011
This is a very late response as we just heard about Ray. Can't believe it has been more than 30 years since we worked with Ray in Denver! He was always so fun-loving! We remember having dinner with you and Ray at your beautiful home in Des Moines years ago. We are so sorry for your loss, Mardelle, and pray that God blesses you now and comforts you.
Nancy Bower
10/13/2011
Mardelle, I was so sorry to hear about Ray. I just learned. I know you've both been through a lot the last few years; he's now at peace and for that I'm thankful. I'm so sorry that I'm here in North Carolina and can't be there to offer you a warm hug and my condolences. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that as time moves on you will be able to remember only the happy times. Ray was certainly a very special person to me and I'll miss him. Please take care. Warm regards, Nancy Bower
Bernard & Joan McCormick
10/11/2011
Mardelle & Family-Our sympathy for the loss of Ray. He was always in a pretty good mood.Pleasant & an excellent J.D. employee. He did enjoy his work & free time.The best to your family.
Jim Israel
10/11/2011
Mardelle, I was sorry to hear about Ray's passing. I had the priviledge to work with Ray for many years, and got to know him pretty well. Some of my best memories were when he was working on the development of our Mexican leasing operations. Ray didn't know much about Mexico, but he had a real intellectual curiosity, a keen business accumen, and a great personality in working in a new culture. Ray was well liked and very well respected as part of John Deere Credit, and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My best personal regards,
Jim Israel
Jim Howard
10/11/2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ray's family. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to work for Ray in our Des Moines office in 1989-1990. I learned more about the business from the short time with Ray than I did from many others. Ray was a true class act. I will always value the lessons I learned.
Evelyn Wardlow (WIR)
10/10/2011
Mardelle, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Ray was such a nice guy and I enjoyed working with him in Denver. God bless you.
Dena Hertsgaard
10/10/2011
I am so sorry for your loss. Dena Hertsgaard, John Deere Financial