Phillip Oakley

Phillip Murray Oakley, age 85, formerly of O’Fallon, Ill., passed away Friday evening, January 9, 2026 at EverVella Care Center, Swansea, Ill.

Born October 15, 1940 in Lynch, Ky. to Virgil Hansford and Ethel, nee Browning, Oakley, Phillip grew up in Kentucky who as a teen loved connecting with the mountains. He was also a proud member of the Lynch Football team. Enlisted in the Army in 1960 he served during Vietnam, earning the Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal with two OLCs. His lengthy military career culminated with him serving as Communications & Electronics Maintenance Chief, retiring as MSG in 1982 from Fort Huachuca, Ariz.

Surviving are his son Phillip (Elizabeth, nee Staudenmaier) Oakley of O’Fallon, Ill.; grandchildren Denver and Matthew Oakley, Mason and Raymond Oakley; and sister Dorothy Russell. He was preceded in death by his wife Renate Oakley in 2013; son Wayne Oakley; and siblings, Virgil, Herman, Ronald, James and Wanda.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or any Veterans Organization.

The family will hold services for a small circle of family and friends, where military honors will be rendered, at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill., on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Visitation will begin at 2 pm, with Army Honors and Patriot Guard Salute at 3 pm.

www.wfh-ofallon.com