David A. Oakes
David A. Oakes, loving father and grandfather
FRIENDSHIP — David A. Oakes, of Main Street, passed away Thursday (July 30, 2026) at Absolut of Houghton, following an illness.
David was born Jan. 10, 1960, in Olean, and was the son of David A. and Joyce Murphy Oakes. He was formerly married to Sherry I. Kenyon, who passed away March 2, 2003. Then he married Caroline VanEtten, who predeceased him Feb. 15, 2024.
David enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school.
He worked as a truck, taxi, and school bus driver for many years. He then began working for his son-in-law at Cook Mailways as a driver and delivery man for about eight years, until retiring in February of 2026 due to illness.
David is survived by a daughter, Diana R. (Josh) Cook of Friendship; six grandchildren, Destiny, Athena, Joshua, Damen, Ayden and Kristopher; and eight siblings.
David was predeceased by his parents; both of his wives; a daughter, Annetta Oakes; and an infant sister.
There will be no services at this time.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 24 Genesee Parkway, Cuba.
Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.
