Oakley "Oakie" L. Ames entered heaven September 27, 2024 at LVH Muhlenberg Hospice surrounded by his loving family.  Born in McKeesport, PA August 24, 1940, to Parents Oakley R. Ames and Helen (Katic) Ames, Oakie shared the past 22 years of his life with his loving wife and soulmate Carol A. Ames.

Oakie grew up in Clover Hill, PA and graduated from California H.S. He began his adulthood in Pen Argyl, PA where he worked his way up to supervisor in the textile industry at Collins & Aikman for many years.  He finished his working career in construction and real estate for 15 years in Florida.  Following his retirement, Oakie spent the next 10 years in TN where he would have his grandsons Jimmy & Michael for the summers. They were his pride and joy.  In 2002, Oakie moved back to Nazareth, PA to marry Carol (Spangenberg), the love of his life and they most recently lived in Bethlehem. Upon his return to the are he worked at Moravian Hall Square for 6 years and Brass Castle Day Program in Nazareth for 4 years.

Oakie was a Free Mason and Past Master of the Pen Argyl Lodge No. 594.  He was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing card games, quoits and was never short of a good joke.  He was known by many, including the grandkids as the funniest story teller and joke teller on the planet.  Oakie enjoyed evoking laughter amongst his loved ones (family and friends).  He touched so many lives with his kind loving spirit and his faith in God right to the very end of his life on this earth.  Oakie will be greatly missed and forever remembered for all the love he gave and the faith he maintained to the very end.

Oakie is survived by his wife Carol and brother Sheldon Ames (Debbie) of Harrisburg, PA along with his daughter Stacey Ames Chenet, son Derrick Ames and grandchildren Jimmy and Michael Chenet, and great grandchild Jensen.  His step children are Jamie Frable, Kerri Fetherman Lane (Ken), Kevin Keat (Jen) and Melissa Gehret (Jay).  Oakie is also survived by step grandchildren Jordan Lane Abendroth (Derek), Kelsey Lane Gentry (Travis), Moriah Lane (Thaddeus), Alexander Bucchi, Alden Keat (Amber), Cory Cockley (Angelina), Colton Keat and Evan Keat.  His step great grandchildren include Reece and Brody Lane Abendroth, Ivy Kate Lane Gentry and Russell Keat.  Oakie is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and was preceded in death by his brothers Bill Ames (Judy) and Gary Ames (Antoinette).

Celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 9:30 AM at Life Church Nazareth, 4609 Newburg Rd., Nazareth, PA  18064.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be offered to Life Church Nazareth or to the F&A.M. Pen Argyl Lodge No. 594, P.O. Box 232, Pen Argyl, PA  18072.