William Cleveland Oaks Jr.

William Cleveland Oaks Jr., 70, of Salina, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Born on September 4, 1955, in Forrest City, Arkansas, to William Cleveland Oaks Sr. and Erma Lee Oaks (Walton), he grew up in Salina where he developed a lifelong love for sports, participating in baseball, basketball, football, and track.

Cleveland married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Ruth Oaks (Gray), and they shared more than 50 years together. After serving in the military, he built a long career, first at Raytheon, then at Rounds and Porter, before returning to Beechcraft where he spent the majority of his working years.

He cherished time with his family, watching sports—especially the Dallas Cowboys—and classic westerns such as The Rifleman and Gunsmoke. Cleveland also treasured casual conversations and shared memories with his best friend, David Boswell, and enjoyed trying his luck at the casino alongside loved ones.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Oaks; his children, Deona Lewis, Micheal Loud, and William C. Oaks III (Tiana); his grandchildren, Tony Roseborough Jr., Zechariah Loud, and Romillie Loud; his great-grandchildren, Kinsley Roseborough and Kalani Roseborough; his siblings, Ingrid Dale (Brian), Rita Oaks, Lisa Oaks, Stanley Oaks, Sebastian Oaks, and Evan Oaks (Berta); and his last surviving aunt, Julie Swaingan, along with many nephews, nieces, and dear friends. Cleveland was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Oaks.