Support Diane Oakes: Funeral & proper burial for Rick Oakes

Hello, my name is Shannon Oakes, daughter of Rick Oakes.

It is with extreme heartache that I have to create this GoFundMe fundraiser. My dad passed away this afternoon after being life-flighted to Deaconess Hospital due to a massive heart attack. He had been in and out of the hospital several times over the last 5 years. His health declined every time, and I guess this time, God was ready to call him home.

We are all heartbroken, but it’s my mom, Diane Oakes, who needs as much support as she can get right now, especially financial support for his burial and funeral.

My dad was on social security disability. She has her own small amount of social security, but now that Dad has passed, she loses hers and will keep receiving his. It’s very minimal at best. Due to this, she does not have the proper funds for his burial and funeral.

Everyone who knew my dad knew how selfless, giving, caring, and loving of a man he was. He would do anything and everything for anybody, including strangers. He was a mechanic by trade. If someone was broken down on the side of the road, he’d pull over and help them. It didn’t matter if he knew them or not. With him not having much income, he would work on other people’s vehicles. Lots of times he wouldn’t even charge the person for fixing their vehicle if the person couldn’t afford it because he knew what it was like to have limited funds. When he would trade vehicles with someone, the other person always came out on top because it brought him so much joy helping others.

My mom was his rock and always stood by his side, supporting him and who he was. Neither asked anyone for anything. But now, I’m asking you if you would be so kind to help her. She loved my dad dearly and he meant everything to her. She wants to give him what he deserves, a proper funeral and burial, but she can’t do that without your help. Our whole family would be forever grateful if you’d help her.