Charles Leander Oakes, Jr.

Charles Leander Oakes, Jr. was born on January 9, 1950, to the late Charles and Luella Oakes. He passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, surrounded by loving family and friends.

Bud grew up in Oil City, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Oil City High School in 1968. He possessed a remarkable gift for making everyone feel special and loved. He never met a stranger; if you had a friend, they became his friend too. To many, Bud was the world’s greatest brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend. He served as a spiritual counselor, medical advisor, health advocate, and mentor to countless people. A true wealth of knowledge, Bud always had an answer for any question. He was an avid jogger, runner, swimmer, antiquer, and bargain shopper who could often be found spending entire weekends exploring thrift stores.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Luella Oakes; sisters, Donna Oakes, Joyce Hall, and Beverly Braden; brothers, Jim Baugher and Ronald Oakes, Sr.; and nephews, Jerry Braden, Jimmy Baugher, and Matt Baugher.

Bud is survived by his sister, Karen R. Haag (Joe); nephews and nieces, Tim Haag (Barb), Michelle Olson (Steve), Brenda Oakes (Steve), Ronald Oakes, II (Crystal), Frankie Hall, Patty Westmoreland (Wes), Michael Hall (Lynn), Billy Braden (Mary), Mark Baugher (Constance), and Judy Rithman; and sister-in-law, Bobbie Oakes. He also leaves behind a group of great-nieces and great-nephews whom he adored, including Erin Timmerman, Stephen Haag, Sean Olson, and his beloved little great-niece Veronica F. Oakes, whom he affectionately called his “Baby Tomaty” or “Hey Boo,” along with many other great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his family, Bud is survived by a close-knit group of friends and non-blood relatives whom he considered, and who truly were, his family.