[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 175 (Friday, October 9, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E936-E937]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF REV. LONNIE WESLEY OAKS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 2020

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
the life of Rev. W.L. Oaks, who passed away on August 7 in Oxford, 
Mississippi.
  Born on September 26, 1922, in Lafayette County, Mississippi, Lonnie 
grew up on a farm before joining the Civilian Conservation Corps at 
Camp Wall Doxey. He married his childhood sweetheart Frances Paralee 
Foster in 1941, who he remained married to for 68 years until her death 
in 2009. From there, Lonnie joined the United States Army and served 
his country proudly during the second World War. While fighting the 
Axis Forces in Italy, Lonnie received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
  Upon his return from the war, Lonnie moved to Union County, 
Mississippi, where he began preaching at Glenfield Baptist Church. Soon 
after, he decided to continue his education at Clarke College and Blue 
Mountain College for pastoral training. He served many churches, 
including County Line Baptist Church, Carey Springs Baptist Church, and 
Golden Central Baptist Church, among others.
  Most notably, Lonnie served at Golden Central Baptist Church when a 
devastating fire destroyed it. He lost a lifetime of memorabilia, which 
included his service medals. Although devastating, the fire did not 
devastate Lonnie's spirit, he rebuilt the church and continued to serve 
for many years, becoming known to his friends as Brother Oaks. Lonnie 
continued to preach across the nation until he was 97. If he were here 
today, he would tell you: it is well with my soul.
  Left to cherish his memory are his children Patsy Diane Oak Williams, 
Linda Grubbs, and Lonnie Wesley Oaks, Jr.; brother, Dalton Oaks; his 
grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, as well as many other friends 
and extended family members.

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