Byron E. Oakes, 96, of Springfield passed away on October 22, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. Byron was born in Browning, Missouri and grew up in the area. He was employed with the Springfield Regional Airport for 35 years. He loved the Lord and his family and friends. He was a WW2 and Korean War veteran. He served in the Alaska Aleutian Islands for six years. Byron and Clara Oakes were united in marriage on June 29, 1944. To this union two daughters were born. Together they were privileged to share over 69 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Maude Oakes; a sister, Verlee Johnson; and a brother, Ernest Oakes. He is survived by his loving family, wife, Clara; daughter, Byrna and husband, Mark Scillian; daughter, Valerie and husband Louie Melton; sister, Ruth Taylor; sister-in-law, Helen Oakes; five grandchildren, Heather Hill, Erin Claspell, and Laura Kidwell, Carissa Gregory and Rachelle Combs and their spouses; and fourteen great-grandchildren. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 30, 2013 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery with the Rev. Steven Claspell officiating.