Carey Oakley

In Loving Memory of Carey Oakley

It is with deep sadness that we remember Carey Oakley, who passed away on October 28, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 13, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, Carey devoted his life to education, athletics, family, and the development of young people.

Throughout his life, Carey believed in the power of education, the importance of athletics, and the value of investing in the lives of young people. For more than 30 years, he taught English at Oak Harbor High School in Oak Harbor, Ohio, where he also coached football, basketball, baseball and diving. He believed that education and athletics went hand in hand, encouraging his students to take their schooling seriously, participate in sports, work hard, and make the most of their opportunities and abilities. He understood that the lessons learned in the classroom and through athletics could shape a young person's future.

Carey's commitment to education extended far beyond his years in the classroom. He devoted time to tutoring at-risk children and mentoring college freshmen, offering academic support and encouragement to young people facing challenges. He understood that some students needed someone willing to give them extra time, patience, and attention. He believed every young person deserved the opportunity to learn, grow, and discover their potential.

While attending Otterbein College, Carey met the love of his life, Carolyn Osborn. The two were married on June 5, 1965, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, in a memorable double wedding alongside Carolyn's twin sister, Madalyn. Together, Carey and Carolyn shared 61 years of marriage built on love, partnership, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to family.

His passion for education and athletics continued in a more personal and cherished way through his own family. Carey is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Oakley; daughter, Colleen Conner and her husband Todd Conner; daughter, Chawn Oakley and her husband, Chris White; son, Clark Oakley and his wife, Katie Oakley; son, James Oakley and his wife, Julie Oakley; and his cherished grandchildren, Sarah, Katie, Caroline, and Rebekah Conner, and Alexandra, Aiden, Christopher, and Grayson Oakley. Few things brought him greater joy than watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports, achieve success in school, and pursue their own dreams.

Carey will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, dedicated teacher and coach, and trusted mentor to generations of students. His influence reached far beyond the classroom and playing field, leaving a lasting impact on the many lives he touched throughout his career and community.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 7, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Tucson Estates in Tucson, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to samaritanspurse.org.

May he rest in peace, remembered for his dedication to education, his belief in the potential of young people, and the pride, love, and happiness he found in his family.