Roger C. Oakes' Obituary
Roger Charles Oakes, age 62, passed away in Muskegon, MI, on Sunday, May 3, 2026. He was born in Muskegon to Charles and Joyce (Patow) Oakes on August 30, 1963. He graduated from Fruitport High School in 1981 and went on to serve faithfully in the U.S. Army.
He worked for many years at Linamar Structures as a mechanical technician, where he did everything from replacing motors and gearboxes, working on conveyors and ovens, and some electrical work. He was well-loved by his coworkers, many of whom he had taught over the years. He was respected as a fair individual who was the first to jump in where help was needed. He was a valued employee, when Roger went through chemotherapy in 2024 his boss told him the job would be waiting for him when he was ready to come back.
Roger loved to spend time outside, especially bow hunting and rifle hunting, fishing, riding his dirt bike and motorcycle, and spending time at the cabin in Oceana County. It was there that he taught many family and friends how to safely handle firearms. He was an avid weightlifter back in the day and loved spending time in his personal home gym.
Roger will be lovingly remembered by his eight siblings: Peggy (Joe) Sayers, Linda (Ryan) Scott, Kyle Oakes, Linda Lattin Oakes, Debbera Oakes, Mitchell (Elyse) Oakes, Robin (Lourie) Oakes, and Neil Oakes; and his stepsister, Julie Tullos. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce Oakes and Charles (Karen) Oakes; sister in-law, Lisa Oakes; and nephew, Derek Oakes.
A Memorial Service will be held for Roger at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 11, 2026, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444, with Visitation taking place an hour prior. Following the service there will be a reception across the street at the Harmony Lake Apartment Homes Community Clubhouse, 1700 Harmony Lake Dr, Muskegon, MI, 49444, just south of the traffic light at Costco. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Harbor Hospice Foundation.
What’s your fondest memory of Roger?
What’s a lesson you learned from Roger?
Share a story where Roger's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Roger you’ll never forget.
How did Roger make you smile?