Published on September 16, 2026 4:14 pm
Last Updated on September 16, 2026 4:14 pm
Bernard L. Oakley, 87, passed away at 8:15 pm on Tuesday September 15, 2026, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday September 21, 2026, at the Toledo Cemetery. The Barkley Funeral Chapel in Toledo is assisting the family.
Bernard was born on February 2, 1939, in Toledo, IL to Roy and Mary (Talbott) Oakley. He married Joan Cooper on September 5, 1964.
Survivors include his loving wife, Joan; sons Brian (Tiffany) Oakley, Greg (Cathy) Oakley, and Brad (Debbie) Oakley; grandchildren Sydney (Alan) Colvis, Nick Oakley (Fiancé Kylie Decker), Caleb Oakley, Tyler Oakley, Chanille Oakley, Mahayla Oakley, and Kyrah (Estiven) Estacio; and great grandchild Baron Colvis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Evelyn Hatten, Dolores Walker, Glovene Cody, and one infant sister.
Bernard served in the United States Army. He worked as a Spring maker and worked for Associated Spring and later transferred to Peterson Spring in Athens, GA for over 40 plus years before retiring. Bernard enjoyed spending time with his family and loved sports, especially basketball and horseshoes, even coaching boys’ baseball and girls’ softball. He was always attending and supporting his boys’ and grandkids’ sporting events. He was an avid Illini Basketball fan and was a member of the Toledo Christian Church.
Memorials can be made to the Life Center of Cumberland County or the Toledo Christian Church.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com