Landon Cade Oakes

Landon Cade Oakes, 21, of Danville departed his earthly life on Monday, January 2, 2023 at Smith Mountain Lake while doing what he loved, fishing. Born in Danville, VA on March 15, 2001, he is the son of Steven Anthony Oakes and Kelly Williams Oakes and big brother to Madison Blair Oakes. Landon graduated in May of 2022, from Coastal Carolina University with a Bachelor's degree in Marine Science. Landon graduated in the top of his class in 2019 with honors from Chatham High School and Piedmont Governor's School for Mathematics, Science, and Technology. Landon was currently working at J & J Truck Sales as a diesel mechanic. His goal was to gain experience as a diesel mechanic so that he could eventually work at the Norfolk shipyard on the ships, which would allow him to merge his experience as a diesel mechanic with the knowledge he gained earning his Bachelor's degree. Landon enjoyed playing baseball from the time he was four until he was fourteen. In high school he ran cross country. In 2017, he won the award of Male Scholar Athlete of the Year for Chatham High School. In 7th grade, he earned the votes of his peers at the state Jr. Beta Convention to be elected Jr. Beta Vice-President for the state of Virginia for the 2014-2015 school year. Throughout elementary, middle, and high school he volunteered at the Salvation Army as a bell ringer and served Thanksgiving and Christmas lunch, and helped with various fundraisers for the Children's Miracle Network of Lynchburg, and other local charities. In college, through the Interact Club, he helped fill bags of food on Friday mornings at the local elementary school for children to take home for the weekend. When Landon was not doing schoolwork or working, he loved to hunt and fish. For the 2014-2015 hunting season, Landon won the State Championship competition for his wild turkey in the youth division. For the 2016-2017 hunting season, Landon won the State Championship competition for his wild turkey in the adult division. Landon lived life to the fullest, had a heart of gold, and a smile that was contagious. He was one of a kind and so loved by all that knew him. Survivors in addition to his parents and sister, include a great-grandmother, Jean Oakes, grandfather, Larry Oakes (Ana), an aunt, Krissy Owens (Johnny), great-aunt Donna Compton (Lew), uncle, Michael McLean, uncle, William McLean, cousins, Noah and Makenzie Scott, godfather, Toby Craig. He was predeceased by a maternal grandfather, Kenneth Williams and his dog, Saddie. He also leaves behind his cat, Nugget. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel with the Rev. David Turbyfill and the Rev. Dennis Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Danville Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Saturday evening from 5:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Cool Branch Fire & Rescue or Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire & Rescue. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is serving the Oakes family.

Landon Cade Oakes

March 15, 2001 - January 2, 2023