Son of Martin Edwin and Goldie Lula Bates Oaks. Married Alberta Murray Oaks on 1 June 1935. solomized in the Los Angeles LDS Temple on 11 June 1964. Children are: Connie, Joye, Marva and Dennis. Ercil loved his wife and children; camping and fishing often in the Uintah mountains was a regular family event, along with friends and extended family. He was a very kind man, admired by and friendly with all. He loved to tease and was usually "up to something". He'd quickly steal a bit of food off your plate when we looked away, then maintained such innocence. He gave his grandchildren exciting rides in his old Navy surplus Jeep.
Ercil was a very honorable partner in the Vernal Sand and Gravel Company for many years. His company surfaced roads in the Uintah mountains above Vernal, and original parking areas at Dinosaur National Monument. He was such a skilled operator of many types of heavy equipment that he was requested by companies, maintaining many roads. He was such a hard worker, he worked grading roads until the age of 68 before retiring in 1981 from Casada Construction Company. He drove far to work before sunrise, and returned home after sunset, then always had time for his family, especially grandchildren. He always spoke well of his fellow co-workers, and the younger workers enjoyed and admired his sense of humor, work ethics, and his story telling. He had a loving heart and personality, with a warm smile that could melt anyone. His son, children and grandchildren loved to hunt and fish with their special grandpa. He knew the mountains and the remote areas of the Uintah Basin very well, and passed his love of the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. To hunt or fish with Ercil Oaks was to be confident that you would find game and fry fish. Rafting the Green River was great fun, knowing Ercil's skills kept us safe. We will always love him very much and cherish our memories with him.