Ernest "Ernie" R. Oakes

Ernest "Ernie" R. Oakes, 74, of Cochranton, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 9, 2016, at Wesbury Memory Care Center, following an extended illness.

Ernie was born in Meadville, on August 10, 1941, the son of the late Russell and Velma (Hollabaugh) Oakes.

He married Janet L. (Custard) Oakes on October 24, 1959; she survives.

Ernie graduated from Cochranton High School in 1959 where he was active in the school Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. During his time in FFA he showed dairy cattle. He was also a member of the Cochranton 4-H Chapter. His love of cattle and showing cattle passed on to his children, whom went on to win high honors at both state and national levels. Ernie was a life long dairy farmer in Wayne Township who enjoyed being out in the fields plowing, planting and harvesting his crops. Seeing his crops grow and mature gave him a great sense of pride and achievement. Harvest time was a special time for Ernie as he was able to see the fruits of his hard labor. He had a passion for Farmall, International and Allis Chalmers tractors and had amassed a large collection over his lifetime. Ernie enjoyed history, especially the history of Wayne Township and the Sugar Lake area where he grew up. He was also the owner and driver of school buses in the Cochranton area. Additionally he had worked at the former American Viscos and PennDot in his younger days. Ernie was an avid hunter and sportsman who also enjoyed fishing. He enjoyed spending time in Colorado, Montana and Canada on hunting trips and looked forward to fishing trips to Canada. Ernie loved his family including his three grandchildren and nine great grandchildren with whom he had a special and close bond.

In addition to his wife, Janet, of 56 years, Ernie is survived by his three children Beth Ann Bernarding and her husband Bill of Pleasantville, Cinda Oakes and her husband Tom of Cochranton, Ernie Oakes II and his husband Steven Asher of Naples, FL, three grandchildren Heidi Kelly and her husband Joey of Linesville, Amber Irwin and her husband A.J. of Titusville, Cody Bernarding and his fiance Katie Drake of Pleasantville, nine great grandchildren Shelby Rader, Lauryn Irwin, Joey Kelly, Logan Irwin, Kameron Kelly, Emma Bernarding, Ireland Kelly, Raeley Bernarding, Evan Irwin, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ernie was preceded in death by an infant daughter, a sister Donna Winger and a niece, Yvonne Reese.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 5-7 PM at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St. Meadville.

A private funeral service for immediate family only, will be held with Pastor Frank J. Weingard of Sugar Lake United Methodist Church and Rev. Sam Marchetta, Chaplain of Wesbury, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to National Alopecia Areata Foundation, 65 Mitchell Blvd. Suite 200 B, San Rafael, CA 94903.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com