Chatham……Dexter James Oakes, age 65 of Chatham died Sunday, April 6, 2014 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Born April 23, 1948 in Pittsylvania County he was a son of Elise Kendrick Oakes of Chatham and the late James Barrette Oakes. Mr. Oakes was a member of Museville Christian Church. He was a former employee of Dan River Inc. and sold insurance for Interstate Insurance Company and Modern Woodmen. He was a member of the U.S Coast Guard where he voyaged to McMurdo Station in Antarctica on the Coast Guard cutter Westwind. He spent the last 20 years of his life caring for his mother and father determined that they remain at their home of 75 years.

In addition to his mother he is survived by one son, Brian Keith Oakes of Kernersville, NC; and one grandson, Everett Paul Oakes.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at Museville Christian Church by B. Conley Stephenson, Minister, Steve Hayes, Minister, and Ted Clifton, Minister. Burial with Military Honors by the Virginia National Guard Honor Guard will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at Museville Christian Church.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com .