Asberry Oakley, Jr Obituary (1930

Asberry Oakley, Jr. was born March 9, 1930 in Oktaha, Oklahoma to Asberry Oakley, Sr. and Edna Love Oakley. Asberry attended New Hope Elementary and later Summit High School. He accepted Christ at an early age and attended new Hope Baptist Church. This began a life of service for Asberry. Asberry moved to Des Moines in the 1940's looking for better opportunities. For a few years he was employed as a butcher, but in 1951 he enlisted in the United States Army. Asberry served during the Korean War and remained stateside. He was honorably discharged in 1953. Before joining the Army, Asberry married the love of his life, the former Clara Mae Burnough. Their marriage remained strong for 64 years. Born to this union were two children, Dennis and Helen. He was a patient and loving father. Asberry was a good provider for his family. He was employed at the packing house for many years. After his retirement he worked part time for HyVee for 13 years. He also served as a Union President. Asberry loved the Lord and served Him faithfully as a Deacon at King of Kings Missionary Baptist Church. He loved going to service and for many years he and Clara cleaned the Church. He sang in the church choir and loved the reaction he got to that big bass voice. Sometimes Asberry had to serve alone, as the only Deacon; but he was faithful to his calling. He ushered the church through several changes in pastoral leadership with his quiet, calm, no nonsense manner. When Deacon Oakley wasn't taking care of church business he loved being outdoors in his garden, bowling or playing with the grandchildren and great grandchildren. On Sunday morning, April 12, 2015 Jesus whispered Asberry's name and he answered his Master's call. He was 85 years old. Waiting to greet him in the Lord were his parents; four brothers, Forest, James, Bobby and Norman Oakley; his sisters Wanda Smith and Dorothy White. Asberry is survived by his wife, Clara Mae Oakley of Des Moines, IA; his son, Dennis M. Oakley of California and daughter, Helen m. Oakley-Spears of Missouri; three grandchildren, Evan D. Spears, Nicole M. Wright, both of Missourii and Jordan Oakley of California;; four great grandchildren, Andr, Jaliyah, D'Niece, Emani (all from Missouri), his sister, Jewelene Brown and brother, Redell Oakley of Des Moines, Dan Oakley of Arizona, John A. Oakley of Indianola and a host of nieces and nephews. Cemetery Details Iowa Veteran's Cemetery Van Meter, IA, Visitation APR 17. 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home 3500 Sixth Avenue Des Moines, IA, US, 50313 info@hendersonhighlandparkfuneralhome.com http://www.hendersonhighlandparkfuneralhome.com Tribute Service APR 17. 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM King of Kings Missionary Baptist Church 619 SE 15th Street Des Moines, IA, US Funeral Service APR 18. 11:00 AM Union Baptist Church East University and McCormick Des Moines, IA, US