Galen Monroe "Buddy" Oakes II

Galen Monroe "Buddy" Oakes, II, of Massillon, Ohio, was called home by Jesus on August 13, 2025, at the age of 63. Born in Canton on February 14, 1962, Galen lived a life defined by his faith, integrity, and boundless devotion to God. His greatest desires were to love God, love his family, and to help others do the same.

A student at Jackson Local Schools, Galen graduated from Central Christian in Kidron. He furthered his education at Messiah College and graduated from Hyles-Anderson College. Although a homebuilder by trade, Galen fulfilled his lifelong dream by accepting the role of Lead Pastor at Amherst Community Church in 2012, where his gentle spirit and wise counsel touched many lives. A true servant leader, he began his ministry as an assistant at Canal Fulton Baptist Church in the 80s, then as Director of Family Life at Jackson Friends Church in the 90s. His ministry extended into creative outreach through Amazing Grace Land Ministries, where his creative ability united his wordsmithing abilities with his God-given talents expressed through family-building dramas, marriage-building events, and Elvis gospel concerts, often infusing them with humor, his well-known storytelling, and singing.

Galen's love story with his wife, Malinda, started when he was 17 and she was 16. Their marriage has spanned 41 years and was marked by a devoted partnership in life, business, ministry, adventure in travel, a shared joy for water sports and motorcycling, and, above all, their cherished family. He was a dedicated and loving father to Joy E. Brown (Shane) and Nolan M. Oakes (Makala), and an attentive, fun-loving grandfather of eight.

Galen was a respectful gentleman, admired by all who knew him, regarded for his great storytelling, creativity, sense of humor, and gentle presence. Above all, he lived and taught love - for God, his wife, his family, and his community.

He is survived by his beloved Malinda; their children, Joy E. Brown (Shane) and Nolan M. Oakes (Makala); siblings Garry, Larry, Yvonne (Daniel), and Lynette (Kevin). He rejoins their first child; Esther, his parents, Galen Sr. and Beulah; and Malinda's parents, Ward and June Steward, on the golden streets of heaven.

A memorial service will be held at Amherst Community Church, 8650 Beatty St NW Massillon, OH 44646 on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 1:00pm. Calling hours, also at the church, will take place Friday, August 22, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00pm.

Gifts or contributions in memoriam can be made to Amherst Community Church towards the Pastor Galen Memorial Fund.

As we remember Galen, we hold close Psalm 1 16:15 “Precious in sight of the Lord is death of his saints”.