David "Soapy" Oaks

We remain committed and prepared to safely care for the families we serve during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and want to stay within the government’s guidelines. Whenever possible, Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home will continue to enable families to participate in the rituals that are most important to them and allow them to be able to say their final good-bye to their loved one. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

David Oaks of Silver Lake, Indiana, affectionately known by all as “Soapy”, passed away at 2:49 a.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2020 at Kosciusko Community Hospital of Warsaw, Indiana at the age of 66. 

He was born on October 11, 1953 in Scottsburg, Indiana to Vernie (Smith) Oaks and Elmer Oaks.  On August 4, 1976 he was married to Charlotte L. (Wadkins) Oaks.  They shared 33 years of marriage before she passed away on June 22, 2009. 

David was a 1973 graduate of Argos High School, in Argos, Indiana and a longtime member of Full Gospel Tabernacle Church in Claypool, Indiana.  He worked for 43 years for R.R. Donnelley in Warsaw, Indiana as a machine operator and retired in 2010.  David worked hard all of his life and in his down time he enjoyed listening to oldies music watching Kentucky basketball and the Detroit Lions.  He was a great cook, enjoyed being outdoors, loved gardening and in his later years he had fun shopping on-line.  One thing everyone knew about David was that he had a heart for animals and loved to feed all types of God’s creatures.  He loved all of his brothers and sisters but David had a special bond with his brother John.  David loved his children and LOVED his grandchildren.  He never tired of spending time with them and taking them to the park.  He will be dearly missed by all.

He will be lovingly remembered by his son:  David R. Oaks (Mentone, Indiana); two Daughters:  Joyce R. Prater (Warsaw, Indiana); Cristy L. (Chad) Haselby (Mentone, Indiana); and seven grandchildren.  He also leaves behind five brothers:  James (Susan) Oaks (Tennessee); Larry (Paula) Oaks (Indiana); Elmer (Julie) Oaks (Indiana); John Oaks (Indiana); Mark (Lorie) Oaks (Tennessee); three sisters (all of Indiana):  Wilma (Dale) Rock; Lorene (Jim) Hettler; Pearl Oaks; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Charlotte L. Oaks, two sisters, Sharon Oaks, Brenda Campbell, and his brother, Billy Oaks.            

Visitation will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2020 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana.  Due to the current, unprecedented guidelines limiting public gatherings because of the COVID-19 virus and safety concerns the visitation is limited to 25 people at a time. Please use good judgment in determining the length of your visit or if you should attend. There will be no congregating in the parking lot and physical distancing of six feet is mandatory.

David’s life will be celebrated with a private family service on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at Full Gospel Tabernacle Church, 106 N. Main Street, Claypool, Indiana and officiated by Pastor Johnny Dotson.  Burial will follow with a private graveside service at Graceland Cemetery in Claypool, Indiana. 

Memorial donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division – Northwest Indiana Office, 130 Red Coach Drive, Mishawaka, Indiana  46545; or to the C.O.P.D. Foundation, Donations and Fundraising, 3300 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Miami, Florida 33134 and would be appreciated by the family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David "Soapy" Oaks, please visit our floral store.