GEORGE E. OAKMAN

   WELLS --- George E. Oakman, age 92, passed away at Mountain View Center in Rutland, VT, on Jan. 27, 2018. He was born in Wells, on Dec. 19, 1925, the son of the late William J. and Cassie (Murlin) Oakman.
   George served his country during World War II as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne in Europe. He was a retiree from Telescope Casual Furniture in Granville, NY, after many years of employment.
   Before failing health, he was an avid golfer and hunter. He was a former member of the Lake St. Catherine Country Club, in Poultney, VT, and a member of the B.P.O.E. Lodge 345. He was a member of the Wells Methodist Church, a member of the Modern Woodman of Wells Camp 10244 and the American Legion 0039 in Poultney, VT.
   Besides his parents, George was predeceased by four brothers Walter, James, Charles and John Oakman; and six sisters, Celia Skea, Mary Vend, Norman Tombeno, Betty Zannini, Emma Sigman and Catherine Oakman.
   George is survived by his wife of 70 years, Winifred (Lewis) Oakman; and his son, Edward G. Oakman (Madeline). He was blessed with two grandsons Edward Oakman (Beverly) and Jonathan Oakman (Karen); and his great-grandchildren Nathan, Connor, Brenda, Adelaide, Idella, Cole and Morgan Oakman. In addition, he also is survived by nieces, nephews and a special sister-in-law, Janice Quinn.
   Also surviving are three step-grandsons, William Dugan Jr. (Gini), Robert and Brian Dugan; and three step-great-grandchildren Alyssa, Kathryn and Brian Jr.
   Honoring George's request, there will be no calling hours at this time. There will be a graveside service in the Wells Cemetery in the spring.
   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George's memory to the Granville Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 153, Granville, NY 12832. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Robert M. King Funeral Home, Granville, NY.

[Rutland Daily Herald, Rutland, VT, 30 Jan 2018, Tue, Page A6]

George registered for the draft in Rutland, VT on 20 December 1943 and was inducted into the army in that same city on 3 January 1944.

According to the local newspaper published on 11 February 1944, "Pvt George Oakman is stationed at Fort Blanding, Fla." so he was in the right place, but at the wrong time, as the 508th had vacated Camp (not Fort) Blanding a year earlier,

But, on 18 October 1945 he caught up with the 508th when, as a Pfc, he was transferred from the101st Airborne Division to Hq 2nd, 508th PIR.

George is last seen on 508th records on 18 December 1945 when he went on furlough, destination Paris, for "approximately 7 days."  He apparently spent longer taking in the Parisian sights as he did not reappear by the 31st.  Since Morning Reports are not available for 1946, his actual date of return is unknown.

Pfc Oakman arrived in New York, NY aboard the USAT Victory om 19 May 1945 after departing Le Havre, France eight days earlier.

He was listed in a group destined for the Separation Center at Fort Devens, MA.

George married Winifred C Lewis in his home town of Wells (Rutland county), VT ON  16 February 1947.  She is listed as the surviving spouse in the obituary, at left,