Don Oakes obit

Donald Oakes Has Died

 

He was not on the list.

Donald S. Oakes, a beloved husband, father, Pop, coach, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Roanoke, VA, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born on July 22, 1938, in Roanoke, Don's journey was one of humble beginnings, hard work, and dedication. Growing up in South County, Roanoke, he graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in 1956 where his passion for football began under the guidance of Coach Johnston. Those early days saw him hitchhiking home after practice, only to rise early for farm chores before school.

Don's determination led him to Fork Union Military School where he honed his academics and earned a scholarship to VPI (Virginia Tech). As a Fighting Gobbler (HOKIE), he played both sides of the line and was a heavyweight wrestler. Don was also a member of the CORP of Cadets at VPI, marching across the beautiful drill field during his VPI tenure and graduating from VPI in 1961. His talents on the football field caught the attention of the NFL and in 1961, he was drafted, marking the start of a remarkable career.

On March 23, 1961, Don married the love of his life, Darlene Jones of Roanoke, and together they embarked on a journey filled with love and adventure. Their first stop was Philadelphia, where Don played two years for the Eagles before being traded to the Boston Patriots (now New England), securing the quarterback's blindside for six years. His hard work paid off when he earned "All Pro" honors in 1967 sharing the field with legends like Joe Namath.

While Don's football stories are numerous, his humility and dedication to family always shone through. Alongside his NFL career, he served in the Army National Guard for six years. Upon retiring from professional football, Don continued to inspire young minds as a teacher and coach first in Botetourt County and then in Roanoke County. He led William Byrd High School to a Blue Ridge District win and influenced countless students at both William Byrd and Cave Spring High Schools.

A quiet man with a huge heart, Don was deeply involved in the Roanoke Valley community, notably with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Even after retiring from teaching, he continued to substitute teach until the pandemic hit in 2020. He was passionate about driver safety, leaving a lasting impact on those he taught.

In 2001, on a cold November Saturday at Lane Stadium, Don walked across Worsham Field to accept his induction to the Virginia Tech Hall of Fame, surrounded by family. One of his and his family's proudest moments in his life. Always orange and maroon, true and true, most days you would find Don decked out in his HOKIE gear.

Don is survived by his devoted wife, Darlene J. Oakes; his daughter, Dawn Ketterer and husband, Gregg; his son, Drew Oakes; grandson, Justin Oakes; and great-granddaughter, Hannah Oakes. Don is also survived by his two sisters, Littie Mae Hambrick and Patricia Tate; brother-in-law, Chester Jones; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a legacy of love, commitment, and community service.

A HOKIE tailgate celebration of life will be announced to close family and friends in the near future. As Don wished, "Death is a release of all my life's stored energy, take my ashes and give back to the earth, so I may return as a tree or the beautiful green grasses on a special football field like Worsham.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Good Samaritan Hospice, your favorite charity, a scholarship fund, or plant a tree in honor of Coach Oakes. Condolences may be shared with his family by visiting www.Oakeys.com. Arrangments by Oakey's South Chapel.

Don's life was a testament to the power of hard work, love and humility. He will be dearly missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. GO HOKIES!

He played college football for the VPI Gobblers where his accomplishments led to his induction into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. Professionally, he played two seasons for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles and six seasons for the AFL's Boston Patriots.

Career information

Position(s)            Tackle

US college            VPI

AFL draft            1961 / round: 21 / pick: 162

NFL draft            1961 / round: 3 / pick: 42

Career history

As player

1961–1962            Philadelphia Eagles

1963–1968            Boston Patriots

Honors AFL All-Star, 1967