ROCKLAND — Noel Clewley Oakes, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Wednesday, October 9, 2024, just three days shy of his 99 th birthday. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Clifton, Maine October 12, 1925, he was the son of Sidney P. and Mary (Clewley) Oakes. Noel was raised in Clifton until the age of 15, when he moved to Ellsworth to reside with his aunt so that he could attend high school. Noel completed his education at Brewer High School, while living and working in Bangor, earning his High School Diploma in 1945.

During his senior year, Noel began employment at F. W. Woolworth Company where he learned merchandising. After 3 years, he moved to Ohio, where he worked in several different stores as Assistant Manager.

Desiring to return to Maine, he relocated to Bangor where he worked as a buyer for seven and a half years with the W.T. Grant Company. While in Bangor, Noel met the love of his life, Geraldine M. Howells. The pair were married on January 17, 1953. With his new bride at his side, Noel continued to work for over 15 years in the retail industry as a traveling salesman, working for Dunham & Hanson Hardware, Decatur Hopkins Bigelow & Dowse Hardware as well as Harvey Distributors.

In 1962 Noel moved with his family to Lincolnville Beach, where he and his wife built the Mt. Battie Motel, which they opened in 1965. After the motel was established, they built and operated the Maine Coast Gift Shop, beside the motel. Although they sold the motel in 1985, they owned and operated the gift shop until 2000.

While running the gift shop, Noel began selling his delicious fudge at craft fairs, farmers markets, and stores. He became known as “The Fudge Man” and continued to sell fudge after the gift shop closed.

Noel loved to write, and had vivid memories of his childhood. He wrote a book called “Making Do and Getting By, a Boy Growing Up During the Great Depression.” He was asked to speak at many historical societies, book signings and events, where he would read a story and demonstrate his fathers’ method for locating a bee hive.

Noel devoted his life to Christ at a very young age. Over the years he was actively involved in churches in all the communities in which he lived. Beginning at the age of 20, he first served as a Deacon at Corless Street Baptist Church in Bath. Returning to Clifton he served as a Junior Deacon for several years at the United Baptist Church of Clifton. After moving to Lincolnville Beach, he was a longtime member of the Chestnut Street Baptist Church in Camden. There he served several terms as Deacon, Trustee, and taught Sunday School. Noel and Jerry moved to Rockland and began attending Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church, where, once again, he was eager to serve. He taught Sunday School, served as Sunday School Superintendent, served

on the Board of Education, the Mission Committee, and the Finance Committee. He served as a Deacon as well, and it was there that he was honored as a Life Deacon; Noel served as a Deacon in area churches for over 70 years.

His service to the Lord also included serving as Area Representative on the General Board with American Baptist Churches, USA, with an emphasis on missions.

Predeceased by three sons, Sidney D. Oakes, Daniel J. Oakes (infant) and Charles A. Oakes (infant); brother Joseph Oakes; sister Iris Oakes; and two grandsons, Jeffrey Noel Oakes, and Steven Philip Oakes; Noel is survived by his wife of 71 years, Geraldine Oakes of Rockland; his children, Kathleen M. Kellett and her husband Roger of Hope, Timothy N. Oakes and his wife Katrina of Lincolnville; his grandchildren, Daniel T. Oakes, Jenifer A. Oakes, Ryan D. Oakes; his great-grandchildren, Emma, Emily, James, Mary, Lucy, Christopher, Jason, and Gabriel; sister Rosalie Sabins of Bangor; many nieces and nephews and a loving church family.

Noel’s family would like to thank the Hospice workers, Fire and Ambulance attendants, PBMC ER staff and nurses. A very special thank you goes to Jeannie, our dear friend, who cared for and loved Dad. She was a constant source of comfort and support to both him and our family.

Family and friends are invited to visit Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

A Home-Going Celebration will be held Friday, October 18, 2024, at 1 p.m., at Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church, 1 Waldo Avenue, Rockland.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pen Bay Christian School at 1 Waldo Avenue, Rockland, in Noel’s name.

To share a memory or condolence with the Oakes family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.