Charlotte Jane Oakes
Charlotte Jane Oakes was born on April 15, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri, the second oldest of seven children born to Leo and Clara Kaatman. She grew up in the Florissant area and graduated from McCluer High School.
After graduation, Charlotte worked as an assistant and model at a photography studio before accepting a position as a file clerk with Conductron. During that time, a friend arranged a blind date with Arthur Oakes Jr. Six months later, on July 2, 1966, they were married, beginning a loving partnership that would span 60 years.
Charlotte and Art welcomed two daughters, Sherri and Lisa, and in 1975 made the life-changing decision to move to the Oakes family farm near Thayer, Missouri. There they embraced country living, raising hogs, chickens, and cattle. Although adjusting from city life to the farm took time, Charlotte made it her home. She developed a love for sewing, crafting, and baking, creating countless handmade gifts and treasured memories for her family.
While raising their daughters, Charlotte devoted her time to her community by serving as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. Later, she and Art opened their own auto repair business, where Charlotte managed the office. As the business evolved into an auto glass repair and replacement shop, she continued overseeing daily operations, including while Art was deployed to Fort Leonard Wood following the events of September 11, 2011.
Charlotte’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted grandmother to her four grandchildren, spending many years helping care for and raise them. She was overjoyed to become a great-grandmother and cherished every opportunity to spend time with her growing family during her final years. Just weeks before her passing, Charlotte and Art celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on July 2, 2026 – a milestone that reflected a lifetime of love, commitment, and faith.
Above all, Charlotte was a faithful Christian and devoted member of the Church of Christ. She taught Bible classes, helped organize Vacation Bible School, faithfully served alongside her husband as an elder’s wife, and lived her life according to God’s Word. Her unwavering faith remained her foundation until her final breath on July 17, 2026.
Charlotte is survived by her beloved husband, Arthur Oakes Jr.; her daughters, Sheri Felton and Lisa Chezem (Matthew); her grandchildren, Derek Felton (Courtney), Wade Chezem (Chase), Brenna Hernandez (Thomas), and Madison Newton; and her great-grandson, Jace Hernandez. She is also survived by her siblings, Robert Kaatman (Nancy), John Kaatman (Nilda), Michael Kaatman (Linda, Catherine Andert (Charles), and Peggy Ferrone (Curtis Kreitner), along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Clara Kaatman, and her older sister, Carolyn Jay.
Charlotte will be remembered for her steadfast faith, unwavering devotion to her family, quiet strength, generous heart, and the love she shared with everyone blessed to know her. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, service, and example.
A Memorial Service will be hosted by the Church, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 2:00p.m. at the Thayer Church of Christ located at 300 Monroe St. with Preacher Coleman Taylor Smith officiating.
Arrangements in care of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. – Thayer Missouri