Dale Devane Oakes Jr. passed away peacefully in Casper, Wyoming, on August 24, 2026, surrounded by love after a courageous battle with declining health. He was 72.

Born on May 24, 1954, Dale lived a life marked by creativity, determination, and heart. In high school, he was a competitive swimmer whose talent had him on a path toward the Olympics, until a ruptured appendix brought that dream to an unexpected end. Even so, the dedication and drive that carried him in those early years remained a part of who he was throughout his life.

Dale was also an accomplished musician who loved writing music and playing guitar. His creative spirit extended beyond music into art, and he enjoyed making pen, pencil, and colored pencil drawings. Whether through song or sketch, he expressed himself in ways that reflected both imagination and feeling, leaving those around him with lasting memories of his gifts and passions.

Above all, Dale’s life was deeply connected to the people he loved. He is survived by his wife, Diane Allbright; his daughter, Desiree Oakes; his son, Dale Oakes III; his daughter-in-law, Jessica Oakes; and his beloved grandchildren, Arion Sharp, Hattie Jordan, Amadeus Sharp, Daelynn Oakes, and Deeauna Oakes. Their place in his life was a cherished one, and his memory will live on through each of them.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Oakes Sr.; his mother, Vera Naydean (Huffman) Oakes; and his wife, Edna Oakes, his soul mate and second wife. Those who knew Dale will remember a man of resilience, talent, and love, whose presence touched the lives of family and friends in lasting ways.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Grass Valley, California, with details to be announced. As his family and loved ones gather to honor him, they will remember a life that carried both strength and artistry, and a man who was dearly loved.