Submitted by: Dan Rich

Floyd J. Oakley

Oct. 7, 1916 - June 21, 2001

South Bend Tribune 6/24/2001

Floyd J. Oakley, 84, of Roger Street, Osceola, Ind., passed away after an illness at 2:35 p.m. Thursday, June 21, in his residence. Floyd was born Oct. 7, 1916, in Fulton County, Ind., the son of John and Ada (Vanatta) Oakley, and moved to St. Joseph County in 1918.

Floyd married Sybil J. Eby Sept. 25, 1940, in Mishawaka, Ind. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Sybil survives. He is also survived by a son, Donald (Jackie) Oakley of Corey Lake, Mich.; a daughter, Linda (Robert) Kintner of Mishawaka; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Forrest of Madera, Calif.; and by two sisters, Sylvia Hilderbrand of Oscoda, Mich., and Gladys Radestraw of Tawas City, Mich. Floyd was preceded in death by four brothers, Glenn, Ray, Russell and Robert; and by two sisters, Jesse Kollar and Mary Crum.

Floyd worked for Studebaker in South Bend from 1938 through 1954. He then became a union brickmason from 1954 until retiring in 1969. He and his wife Sybil operated their own company called Oakley Realty from 1969 through 1982, and remained semi-retired until the present day. Floyd was president of the Osceola Town Board in 1969, while serving as a member of the Osceola Square and Compass Club for several years. He was a working superintendent, laying most all of the blocks and bricks and overseeing the building of the Osceola Masonic Lodge #742 at North Beech Road.

Floyd joined the Mishawaka Masonic Lodge 130 in 1950 and the Hope Shrine Mishawaka in 1951. He was a Watchman of Shepherds in 1955. He served as an Illustrious Master of the Mishawaka Council in 1957, and joined the Mishawaka Chapter of the Eastern Star in 1968, where he served as Worthy Patron. He was a member of the York Rite from 1952 to the present time. Floyd joined the Scottish Rite, Saint Joseph Valley in South Bend in 1970, and served as Hospitaler and also received the Meritorious Service Award in 1987. He was a charter member of the Osceola Chapter of the Eastern Star in 1963 and served as a Worthy Patron. He served as commander of Mishawaka Commandery in 1971 and as High Priest of the Mishawaka Chapter R.A.M. in 1966. He became a member of the Indiana Priory in 1973, Knights of York Cross of Honor, and was Fort Wayne Eminent Prior in 1984. He was presently serving as High Priest and Trustee of the Mishawaka/Osceola Chapter R.A.M., and was active in Blue Lodge Degree Work. He was true and loyal Brother to all of Masonry. He was a member of the Pleasant Valley Men's Club and Mishawaka Lions Club.

Floyd took pride in being a mason and built his own home where he lived for 55 years with his wife Sybil. He enjoyed planting and tending a large vegetable garden, and taking his great-grandchildren on tractor rides. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for his tall stature and warm smile, and will be dearly missed. Floyd enjoyed spending time with his family at "the pond," and staying active in community affairs.

Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 4 and 5 to 8 today, June 24th, in the Bubb Funeral Chapel North, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka, where Masonic services will be held at 7 p.m.

Funeral services for Floyd will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday in the Bubb Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Davy Troxel of the Grace Brethren Church of Osceola officiating. Burial will follow at Osceola Cemetery. Memorials in Floyd's name may be made to the Osceola Masonic Lodge and to Hospice of Elkhart County.