Rev. William J. Oakleaf

Rev. William J. Oakleaf, 97, of Indianapolis, passed away July 23, 2019 in Battle Creek, MI. He was born January 15, 1922 in Jeffersonville, IN, to the late William J. and Thelma E. Oakleaf. Bill was a graduate of Arsenal Tech High School and married Mary L. Anderson, November 28, 1940 and she preceded him in death, January 21, 1995. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force in the 82nd Airborne Division fighting in the Battle of the Bulge where he received 5 Battle Stars, the European Theatre of Operations Medal, Good Conduct Medal and a Rifleman’s Badge. Bill attended Lane Engineering College and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from Western Michigan University. He was employed as a foreman for Challenge Machine & Tool Co. for 15 years, Naval Avionics for three years, Lyons Machinery, Kalamazoo, MI, for 2 ½ years, Rockwell International, Battle Creek, MI, Ideal Engineering, Bay City, MI, and finally Royal Engineering, Saginaw, MI. In addition to his engineering career, Bill, a licensed minister of the United Pentecostal Church, Int., served as Pastor of Apostolic Tabernacle in Battle Creek, MI, for 26 years, retiring in 1995. He served the Michigan District of the UPCI as a Presbyter for eight years, and as the Harvestime Director for 16 years. Bill was also a professor at Nazareth College, Kalamazoo, MI. In 1995, he moved to Indianapolis, and was a member of Calvary Tabernacle, the VFW & American Legion Post #470. Visitation will be Saturday, July 27, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon at Calvary Tabernacle, 902 Fletcher Avenue. Interment will follow at Washington Park East Cemetery. Bill is survived by his children, Terrell William Oakleaf and Cynthia Louise Clark; grandchildren, Darin Clark (Daniyel), Brett Clark (Brooke) and Mia Chapdelaine (Rev. Dwaine); and great-grandchildren, Evan Chapdelaine, Jaxon Chapdelaine, Reagan Chapdelaine, Greyson Clark, Leyton Clark, Hayden Clark and Cameren Clark. Memorial contributions are suggested to Cornerstone Pentecostal Church, 1809 Romence Road, Portage, MI 49024. Final care and arrangements are entrusted to Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel.

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Rev. William J. Oakleaf

January 15, 1922 - July 23, 2019