Bryan Wayne Oakley

Bryan Wayne Oakley, 68, of Paoli, passed away on the early morning of April 25, 2026 at IU Health Hospital of Bedford. He was born on September 5, 1957 in Paoli to Donald Dayton and Alice (Lamb) Oakley. He was raised on a farm near Pumpkin Center and was baptized in the name of the Triune God as a teenager at Syria Christian Church.

He married Pamela King on June 23, 1984 and she preceded him in death on March 19, 2021.

Survivors include:

Daughter: Sarah (Andrew) Rusch of Bedford, IN

Sister: Leisa Oakley of Orleans, IN

Grandchildren: Matthew, Charlotte, Cecilia, and Mark Rusch

Bryan was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Bryan graduated from Paoli High School in 1975 and worked in manufacturing at various places including Essex in Orleans, Kimball International in West Baden and retired from Liner Products in Paoli in 2021. He was also a member at Lick Creek Friend’s Church in Paoli.

He was a servant at heart where he served many years as a volunteer firefighter for Orange County Rural 2 and later as an EMT with IU Health in Paoli. He treated all of his colleagues like family and always looked out for everyone.

A cowboy at heart, Bryan never lost his interest in anything western. He always looked forward to the Labor Day Rodeo in Palestine, IL where he enjoyed time with family watching bull riding, barrel racing and chasing down ever elusive collectible belt buckles. He was an avid reader enjoying military and western biographies along with historical fiction.

His greatest accomplishment in life was his family and he was a devoted husband,father, and Papaw. He loved being a “Professional Papaw” to his grandchildren and loved spending time with them by picking them up from school, fishing, eating at Porky’s, and hanging out with them while they played in the dirt in the yard.

Visitation will be at the Dillman Scott Funeral Home in Paoli, IN on Wednesday April 29, 2026 from 11 AM -1 PM with the funeral service following with Paul Crecelius to officiate. The burial will immediately follow at Stampers Creek Cemetery.

Western attire (flannel shirts, jeans, cowboy boots) is highly encouraged.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to Lick Creek Friends Church in Paoli. The family would like to thank the staff of Paoli Health and Living, Majestic Care of Bedford, and IU Health in Bedford for the exemplary care Bryan received during his final months. With love and gratitude for the time that was given, we entrust the soul of Bryan to our resurrected savior, Jesus Christ, who calls all believers to his arms now and forever, Amen.