Bruce E. Oakes, 78, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at the Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, AZ, after a short bout with lung cancer.

He was born October 26, 1940, in Peoria, IL, to Oscar and Cariena (Copeland) Oakes. As his mother died shortly after his birth, he and his sister were raised by their aunt, Martha Burr.

He married Darlene "Penny" Bishop on July 7, 1972.  They made their homes in Wilsall, MT, Royal City, WA, Casper, WY and most recently in Yuma, AZ.

He worked as a Journeyman Lineman for many years in Wyoming, Montana, California and Washington. He was a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers as well as a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Casper, WY.  He served our country in the US Army and fought in the Korean War and was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association.

Bruce truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with friends and family, playing cribbage and leading a country music band. He had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. He is survived by his wife Penny, his sister Daisy (Bob) Ruhland and nephews Timothy Ruhland, David Ruhland, Robert Ruhland and Paul Ruhland; daughter Vickie Oakes of Tacoma, WA and son Shaule (Robin) Bisiar of Casper, WY, grandchildren Christina (Noah) Clark, Jon Bisiar, Kristian (Emily) Bisiar, Jessica (Grant) Stuarte and Kirsten Bisiar and great-grandchildren, Elijah and Liam Clark and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He will be laid to rest with a graveside service at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Casper, WY on Friday, September 13, 2019 at 3:00 pm