ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Wallace Oakes, 89, a resident of Albuquerque, N.M., for more than 60 years, left this life Saturday, April 11, 2009. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Truitt and husband Keith of Albuquerque; grandsons, Steven Truitt and Brian Truitt, both of Albuquerque; brothers, Thomas Oakes and wife Ann of Redwood and John Oakes and wife Clara of Vicksburg; sisters-in-law, Mae Behrend of Albuquerque and Charlotte Oakes of Redwood; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Wallace was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Marion M. Oakes; son, Dr. Theodore Oakes; and two sisters and seven brothers.

Mr. Oakes was born in Yazoo County on March 11, 1920, to Joe Wallace and Edna Sanders Oakes. After graduating from high school, he joined the USAF in 1940. He retired as a chief master sergeant on July 31, 1975, and returned to Albuquerque. He received numerous awards and citations during his military career.

Wallace was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held Thursday, April 16, at 11 a.m. at French Mortuary, Lomas Chapel. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

Honorary pallbearers will be Thomas “Bo” Oakes Jr., John Earl Oakes, Jeff Behrend, Nathan Oakes, Larry Oakes, Billy Roach, J.D. Oakes, Darryl McGinnis and George Wright.

Friends may visit French Mortuary one hour prior to the service.

Mr. Oakes’ family would like to thank the Blind Rehab Center at the VA Hospital.

Please visit the online guestbook for Wallace at RememberTheirStory.com.