Recognizing the Life of Rev. Lonnie Wesley Oaks

Floor Speech

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Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Rev. W.L. Oaks, who passed away on August 7 in Oxford, Mississippi.

Born on September 26, 1922, in Lafayette County, Mississippi, Lonnie grew up on a farm before joining the Civilian Conservation Corps at Camp Wall Doxey. He married his childhood sweetheart Frances Paralee Foster in 1941, who he remained married to for 68 years until her death in 2009. From there, Lonnie joined the United States Army and served his country proudly during the second World War. While fighting the Axis Forces in Italy, Lonnie received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Upon his return from the war, Lonnie moved to Union County, Mississippi, where he began preaching at Glenfield Baptist Church. Soon after, he decided to continue his education at Clarke College and Blue Mountain College for pastoral training. He served many churches, including County Line Baptist Church, Carey Springs Baptist Church, and Golden Central Baptist Church, among others.

Most notably, Lonnie served at Golden Central Baptist Church when a devastating fire destroyed it. He lost a lifetime of memorabilia, which included his service medals. Although devastating, the fire did not devastate Lonnie's spirit, he rebuilt the church and continued to serve for many years, becoming known to his friends as Brother Oaks. Lonnie continued to preach across the nation until he was 97. If he were here today, he would tell you: it is well with my soul.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Patsy Diane Oak Williams, Linda Grubbs, and Lonnie Wesley Oaks, Jr.; brother, Dalton Oaks; his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, as well as many other friends and extended family members.

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