Colten L. Oakley, a 36-year-old male from Westfield, Illinois, tragically lost his life on August 20, 2022. He was found deceased with gunshot wounds outside a residence in the 2000 block of County Road 1300 North in Cumberland County. Colten, who was born on April 19, 1986, in Mattoon, Illinois, was a beloved member of his community, known for his love of hunting, fishing, farming, and music.
He was a member of the Westfield United Methodist Church and had a talent for writing music and playing various instruments.
The investigation into Colten's death led to the arrest of Lonnie L. Glidewell, a 57-year-old male from Greenup, Illinois. Glidewell was charged with first-degree murder just two days after the incident. The Illinois State Police, along with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office and the Cumberland County Coroner's Office, conducted a thorough investigation, which resulted in Glidewell being held at the Cumberland County Jail on a $1 million bond. The case against Glidewell is ongoing, with legal proceedings set to determine his fate.
Colten's death has left a significant impact on his family and friends. He is survived by his parents, Lee Ann Higginbotham and Vernon Dale "Sonny" Oakley, Jr., as well as his sister, Deborah Edwards, and several nieces and nephews. The community mourned his loss deeply, with funeral services held at the Westfield Methodist Church and burial at Richwoods Cemetery in Westfield, Illinois. The tragic circumstances surrounding Colten's death have brought to light the importance of community support and the pursuit of justice for the victims of violent crimes.
