Obituary of Paul Oyekunle Oke

Paul Oyekunle Oke was born on May 15, 1969 to Theresa Oke and Thomas Oke in Ipetumodu, Osun-State, Nigeria. He grew up with his brothers and sisters in a lively and loving home. Paul attended Origbo Community High School in Ipetunmodu. During these years, Paul kept active playing football (American soccer), table tennis and often acted in school plays. Paul was also actively involved in the Boy Scouts. After graduating high school, Paul attended Polytechnic Ibadan College in Oye State, Nigeria. Paul majored in mechanical engineering. After a year, Paul moved to Lagos to attend the satellite sector of University of Ibadan for Business Administration, while he worked part-time. In 1991, Paul wanted to reconnect with his childhood friend Catherine Omokehinde Alalade. He went searching for her, but didn’t find her on that day, so he left his complementary card with Catherine’s twin sister Theresa Taiwo. When Catherine found out Paul came to see her, she was excited. Finally, they re-united, and began courting. A year later, they were married. In 1995, they welcomed their first son Adams Abimbola. After Adams was born, Paul focused on finishing his schooling. After graduating in 2000, Paul opened up his own appliance store. In May of 2000, Paul and Catherine welcomed their second son, Alfred Abiola. In 2002, Paul relocated to America to establish a better life, leaving his family in Lagos. Paul worked hard to make a home for his family, and three months later Catherine and his boys joined him. After the reunion of the family, Paul and Catherine welcomed their 3rd son Alexander Abisoye in July of 2003. After Alexander’s birth, Paul enrolled in Bay State School of Technology and studied HVAC/R Technology. In 2007, Paul and Catherine welcomed their last child Albert Ayomide. Shortly after Albert’s birth, Paul graduated from Bay State School of Technology and began working in Sears. Paul then left Sears and worked for Vinfen and MAB with persons with mental health disabilities. He then left Vinfen and joined Baycove, where he remained until his departing. Simultaneously, while working in America, Paul was running his own car sales business in Nigeria. Paul was an active member of Family Life Fellowship Church, where he joined in the Men’s Fellowship. He always encouraged his sons to participate in the Children’s and Youth Ministries. Paul was also a member of many clubs including: Nigeria Quintessence Club of USA (NQNG@USA), where he once served as the Vice-President. He was a member of Ipetumodu Community America, Origbo Community High School 84 Set, The Midas CMS Ltd, in Ikorodu, Lagos and Progressive CDA. Paul was an avid giver. He supported his father in Nigeria, contributed financially to the schooling of his nieces and nephews, he often gave to those in need and contributed to many charitable events. Paul also gave of his time talking to young men and counselling young married couples. Paul’s most important job was that of a husband and father. Paul was a very caring husband to Catherine. They were best friends. Catherine and Paul enjoyed many days of love and laughter reminiscing about their childhood friendship and good times. In 2019 On Catherine’s 50th birthday, Paul and Catherine renewed their wedding vows celebrating 25 years of marriage. Likewise, Paul was a loving and devoted father to his four sons. He often referred to his sons as “Ogo ola” (My future glory) and would not rest if his boys were not safe at home. Paul frequently sat down and spoke to his boys about being respectable young men. He encouraged them to pursue their education, stay out of trouble and most importantly to remember God in their lives. Paul is survived by his wife Catherine, sons Adams, Alfred, Alexander and Albert. Father Thomas Oyekolade Oke, Brothers Pius Oyesola Oke, Peter Oyejide Oke, Sister Paulina Oyeronke Oke and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and numerous friends and acquaintances.