Merritt J. Oakley

Merritt Oakley peacefully passed away on January 13, 2025 at the age of 81. Merritt was born on November 17, 1943 to Merritt and Dorothy Oakley in Kingston, New York. Merritt grew up with his brothers David and Thomas and sister Judith. He graduated from Kingston High School in 1961 and enlisted in the United States Air Force in July of 1961. 

Merritt proudly served in the Air Force for over 20 years all over the world including such places as Germany, Guam, Vietnam, Thailand, Spain and the United States. Merritt retired from active-duty service on July 31, 1981. After his military career he was employed by MetLife Insurance (New York), Clearfield Job Corps (Utah) and finally retired with the US Forest Service (New Mexico). In December of 1963 he married his sweetheart Frances in Kingston, New York. Their lives were soon blessed with a daughter (Robin) and three sons (John, Chris and Kevin).

Merritt is survived by his loving wife, Frances as well as his three sons and their spouses: John and Kimberly, Chris and Sharon, Kevin and Susie and Son-In-Law Eric. As well as his family in New York, brothers David Oakley & family, Thomas Oakley & Family, Joseph Steinhilber, Michael Steinhilber, Alma Steinhilber and their families. Along with his grandchildren and their families: Kathleen & Brad, Danielle & Will, Alec, Connor, Devin, Danny, Colby, Nicholas, Jacob, Robert, Alejandro, Aubrianna, Augustine and Marissa. As well as great grandchildren Lily, Dimitri, Christopher, Nikolai, Blaise, Stephen and Estevan. Merritt is preceded in death by his parents Dorothy and Merritt, his sister Judith and his daughter Robin. Merritt was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who loved spending time with his family. He loved going out to eat, going to church every Sunday and watching his beloved football teams the Minnesota Vikings and the Air Force Falcons.

Celebration services for Merritt’s wonderful life are to be held on Friday, February 21st at the following places and times: New Song Christian Fellowship – 9 A.M. 6013 Paradise Blvd N.W. Albuquerque, NM 87114 *(Please note: A live stream of the above service is being worked on for those that cannot attend. Please check back closer to the Celebration date for further information) Santa Fe National Cemetery – 2 P.M. 501 North Guadalupe Street Santa Fe, NM 87501 Thank You Merritt for touching all our lives the way you have! We Love You and you will always be with us in our thoughts and prayers!