Robert Elmer Oakes

Robert “Bob” Elmer Oakes, age 91, of Boise, Idaho, passed away August 7, 2025. He was born on August 28, 1933, to James Frederick and Arvey Pruett Oakes. Bob lived a full and adventurous life marked by dedication to family, and a love of the outdoors.

Growing up in humble circumstances, Bob sewed his own shirts, delivered newspapers, and raised rabbits and dogs. He shared a special bond with his mother and enjoyed teasing his sisters and playing sports with his brothers.

Bob graduated from Boise High School and built a diverse career in medical supply sales, hospital purchasing, nursing home administration, and county purchasing agent. He was known for his quick mind, especially his remarkable ability to calculate complex figures in his head faster than a calculator.

A proud veteran, Bob served in the military as a Military Police officer. On December 30, 1953, he married the love of his life, Donna Joyce Thornton. Together they shared 58 wonderful years until her passing in 2012. Bob and Joyce were blessed with four children: Kristin, Bryan, Steven, and Carolyn. Carolyn passed away shortly after birth.

Bob was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed participating in church sports like basketball, volleyball, and softball. His love for outdoor recreation led him to scuba diving, camping, boating, horseback riding, hunting and gold mining—often with his family by his side. He was great handyman. He built his own house and cabin and did all his own home and car repairs.

Bob’s life was filled with adventure and more than a few close calls, including a lightning strike that blew his shoes off, a bobcat leaping onto his back, and an incident where he and his brother were sucked into a culvert and both miraculously survived. He also broke his shoulder while pitching softball in the rain. There were other incidents too numerous to list but will remain Oakes Family lore for generations to come.

Over the years Bob and Joyce visited Mexico, Canada, the US Virgin Islands, Alaska, Hawaii, Washington DC, and made many trips to western states. They spent several winters in Arizona.

Bob will be remembered for his ability to laugh. He kept his humor even in his declining years. He could always find something to laugh about.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, his infant daughter Carolyn, his parents, James and Arvey Oakes, and brothers James and Raymond Oakes. He is survived by his sisters Jessie Granum, Dorla Berger, Sharon Newton and his brother Loren (Myra) Oakes. He is survived by his children Kristin (Clyn) Richards, Bryan (Michelle) Oakes, Steven (Sue) Oakes, and his sister-in-law Karen (Ron) Stratton. Bob’s grandchildren include Grant Richards, Bob (Sara) Richards, Scott (Leilani) Richards and Nicholas (Chelsea) Richards, Stephanie (T.J.) Penfold, Brad (Lorena) Oakes, Shad (Laura) Oakes. Katie (Tyler) Rice, Lindsey (Nate) Moeller, Brayden (Madison) Oakes, Heaton (Laila) Oakes. He has many great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 11:30 am with a visitation held on hour prior to the service at Bowman Funeral Parlor located at 10254 W. Carlton Bay Garden City, Idaho 83714.  A committal servie will follow at The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.  To leave condolences please go to www.bowmanfuneral.com