Mr. Harold Wayne Oakes, of Houlka, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his home on November 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, devoted love, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
In accordance with his wishes, Mr. Oakes will be cremated. A memorial service honoring his life will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Pontotoc, Mississippi.
Born in Rosepine, Louisiana, Harold was the son of the late Harold Oakes and Cecile Wynn Oakes. He attended Fair Park Junior High School in Shreveport, Louisiana, before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy as a Vietnam veteran.
A skilled ironworker by trade, Harold helped build many notable structures throughout his career, including the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge and much of the Denver, Colorado, skyline. His work required strength, precision, and determination, qualities reflected in the pride he took in his craftsmanship. The structures he helped build remain a lasting part of a lifetime of honest, hardworking service.
Away from his work, Harold found some of his greatest happiness in the outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman, he treasured the quiet of the woods, the peacefulness of the water, and the freedom of spending time beneath an open sky. For Harold, the joy of hunting and fishing went beyond what he might bring home. It was the patience, the anticipation, and the chance to slow down and appreciate the world around him that made those pursuits so meaningful. The outdoors held a special place in his heart, offering both adventure and a familiar sense of peace.
His love of hunting was closely connected to his talent as a gunsmith. With skilled hands and a careful eye, Harold appreciated the craftsmanship, detail, and precision that went into a well-made firearm. Gunsmithing brought together so much of who he was: a craftsman who enjoyed working with his hands, a patient man willing to give a task the attention it deserved, and an outdoorsman who valued the tools of his favorite pastime. It was more than a hobby; it was another expression of the pride and care he brought to the things he loved.
Above all, Harold loved his family. His beloved wife, Carolyn Thompson Oakes, shared 62 years by his side—a lifetime of memories, changing seasons, and a bond that remained at the center of his life. Together, they built something more enduring than any bridge or building: a family whose love carried across generations. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren held a treasured place in his heart. As a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Harold leaves behind a place in his family that no one else can fill, along with memories that will grow more precious with time.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 62 years, Carolyn Thompson Oakes; two sons, Dewitt Michael Oakes of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Kelly Gene Oakes and wife Shannon of Colorado Springs, Colorado; one daughter, Kim Huett of Houlka, Mississippi; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Cecile Wynn Oakes; one brother, Gordon Oakes; and one sister, Bonnie Bell Oakes.
Harold’s life will be remembered in the work of his hands, the outdoor places he loved, and, most of all, the hearts of his family. His lasting legacy is one of service, craftsmanship, and love—a legacy that will remain long after his tools have been laid aside.
Ripley Funeral Home is honored to Mr. Harold’s family.
