Donald S. Oakes
Don Oakes graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in 1956 and was destined to be recognized as a superior athlete. He played offensive tackle and defensive end on the football team and in his senior year was named to both the All City-County and All District teams. Don received the additional honor of being chosen to play in the All Star game. At Andrew Lewis, he also participated in wrestling and track.
Don attended Fork Union Military Academy for one year where he played offensive and defensive tackle on the football team and was named to the All Military Team. From 1957 through 1960, he attended Virginia Tech and on the football team, again played both offensive and defensive tackle positions. He was game captain both his junior and senior years and named to the All State and All southern conference teams. While at Tech, Don was also a member of the Wrestling Team.
In 1960, Don was a third round draft pick of the World Champion Philadelphia Eagles and the first lineman drafted by the NFL from the Southern Conference that year. In his first year with the Eagles, he was a swing offensive tackle playing on special teams and goal line defense. The following year, he started three games at defensive tackle, played swing tackle on offense, and was a member of special teams. He played with the Boston Patriots from 1963 until 1968 and was starting left offensive tackle with responsibility that included protecting quarterback “Babe’ Parilli’s blind side. Honors received during his years with the Boston club included Patriots Unsung Hero Award, Patriots Top Offensive Lineman, member of the All Pro Team, and a member of the First Team Eastern All-Stars.
Upon retiring from professional football, Don began his coaching career as Head Football Coach at Botetourt Intermediate School in 1969 where he stated the program and remained at the school through 1970. Not surprisingly, the team was named the Botetourt Intermediate Patriots. He moved to Loft Botetourt High School in 1971, first as Assistant Football coach and, later as the Head Wrestling coach. Moving to William Byrd High School in 1972, Don was both Head Football Coach and Assistant Track Coach and remained there until 1980.
From 1981 to 1997, Don was Assistant Football coach, Assistant Wrestling coach, and Assistant Track Coach at Cave Spring High School. He served as Defensive Coordinator for the football program and coached both the offensive and defensive lines. In 1998, Don returned to William Byrd High school as Assistant Football Coach and Assistant Track Coach, positions he would hold until he retired in June of 2000.
Don received many honors during his career both as a football player and coach. Aside from those previously mentioned, in 1997 he was inducted into the Fork Union Hall of Fame and received the same honor at Virginia Tech in 2001. He was also a recipient of the Football Officials Sportsmanship Award in 1972, and in 1973 his William Byrd football team won the Blue Ridge district championship with 10 wins and no losses. That year, he was named the Blue Ridge coach of the Year and runner up as Timesland Coach of the Year. Don also is to be commended for serving his country as a member of the National Guard from December 1962 until he was honorably discharged in 1969.
Residing in the Town of Vinton, Don and his wife, Darlene, have two children. Their daughter, Dawn O. Ketterer, is a registered nurse and their son, Jon Drew, a Roanoke City police officer. In retirement Don enjoys spending more time with his grandson Justin Drew Oakes.
In recognition of his outstanding career achievements, Donald S. Oakes is inducted into the 2003 Salem Alumni Hall of Fame established by the Salem Educational Foundation and Alumni Association.
