Danny L. Oakley

Danny L. Oakley, 71, also known as “Paw Paw” or “The Bear”, left for his heavenly home unexpectedly on September 5, 2017 in a Fort Worth Hospital.A funeral service will be held at Whites Funeral Home, 101 N. E. 4th Ave., Mineral Wells, Texas , Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 3 p.m. Burial will follow at Perrin Memorial Garden.In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the following:  Dallas Area Parkinsonism Society, 6370 LBJ Freeway, Ste 170, Dallas, TX 75240 or daps.us Alzheimer’s Association – this association funds research for all types of dementia.Danny was born August 24, 1946 in Mineral Wells. He was the son of the late Lee Oakley and Inez Polk Shields.  Danny grew up in Mineral Wells, and remained there throughout his life. He joined the Navy at the age of seventeen, serving 4 years with an Honorable Discharge. Danny served on the USS Preston, USS DeHaven, and USS Orleck, during the Vietnam War, receiving the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal for his dedication and service. He later joined the National Guard Army, retiring after 18 years of service, achieving the rank of Sgt. E6. Danny began working for the Texas Department of Transportation as a Maintenance Technician where he worked for 30 years, before retiring. He was often referred to as “Oakley” by his co-workers.Danny married Lois Langley Jones on December 31, 1976 in Mineral Wells. They lived a full blessed life, happily married for 40 years. Danny cherished his wife and family beyond the expression of words.Danny was a lifelong member of the Assembly of God and Church of God from a very young age. He loved the Lord with all his heart. Danny learned to play the Alto saxophone at a young age, never learning to read music, only playing by ear. Many times he would be on his porch or sitting in the living room playing his sax to pianist Floyd Cramer or just playing solo. He played in church for many years, funerals, special requests, and just for enjoyment. His go to music was always Gospel, with each play session always ending in “I’ll Fly Away”, “Good Bye World Good Bye”, or “Amazing Grace”.Danny never met a stranger no matter where he went, he loved reminiscing and telling stories from any point in his life. Some of his happiest places were to be in the stands watching his granddaughters march in the drum line, going to Bluegrass festivals, tinkering with his infamous “duck boat” , or simply sitting and chatting with his son-in-law. He wasn’t much of a hunter, but he always looked forward to opening duck season.Many of his family members, extended family, and dear close friends have preceded him in death.Danny is survived by a loving wife, Lois of Mineral Wells; his dog, Vader; his daughter, Angela (Mike) Golden of Mineral Wells; granddaughters, Ashton and Bethany Kinkead of Mineral Wells; nieces, Paula (Lance) Wampler of Peaster, and Shannon (Chris) Bell of Mineral Wells; great-nieces, Autumn and Brooke Bell of Mineral Wells, and Alexa Creamer of Peaster; great-nephew, Joey Cross of San Antonio; Sawyer and Scout Wampler of Peaster;  and many cousins and extended family. He is also survived by several grand-doggies and grandkitten. Special mentions: Albert Tatum, lifelong friend, guard buddy, duck hunting buddy, and father figure; Kris Beasley, Godmother to his granddaughters and close family friend for many years; and Weldon Grieve, lifelong friend, fishing, and duck hunting buddy; all of Mineral Wells.The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to JPS hospital, Careflight, all medical staff involved, and all the heroic Samaritans for their efforts and care rendered, both for Mr. and Mrs. Oakley at the crash site and while in the hospital. Sincere special thanks to the following: Dr. Farmer, Dr. Holmes, Dr. Ghandi, Dr. Garcia, Dr. Wolfshohl, Dr. Soliman, and M. Selzer, NP; nurses – L. Bird, C. Courcy, M. Arciniga, D. Stephens, and A. Peterson; and all the Chaplains involved. We know the Trauma Surgery Team went above and beyond to try and save this wonderful man’s life. We also extend thanks to Jeremy Lionberger, Matthew King, and Allan Hale. We will always be grateful.