Merin James Oakley was born January 7, 1946 in Oktaha, OK; to Frank and Mattie (Cubit) Oakley.

Merin attended schools in Muskogee, OK; and graduated from the historic Manual Training High School with the Class of 1964.  He went on to graduate from Langston University.

"Mel" as he was affectionately called by his family and friends, was a family man.  He adored spending time them.

He worked and retired from the United States Postal Service.  In his spare time he would work on the farm.  Mel also acquired his Pilots License and he loved to fly planes.

Preceding him in death are his parents, his brothers, Frank, Eddie and Joseph Oakley, his sisters, Annabelle "Toni" Carlis and Willa Mae and his grandson, Johnnie Perry III.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Merin James Jr., Christopher Vashaun, Frank Mathese, Mario Jerrod, Meka Jamese, Malika Jamale, Teela Melba, Michael James and Marina Oakley, 13 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, his brothers, Carl and Marshall Ray Oakley, his sisters, Pearl and Lee, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him.

A Home Going Service is scheduled Saturday, July 28, 2018, 1:00 p.m., New Hope Baptist Church, Oktaha, OK.  Interment will follow in New Hope Cemetery, Oktaha, OK.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home-Muskogee