Service Details
His homegoing service will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. To view Steve’s service via livestream, please click on this link: https://youtu.be/bY69jxMkWqY Interment with full military honors will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Steve Oates, age 87, was called home by his Savior and Christ on January 4, 2021. He departed life at his residence. Steve was born in Alden, AL on July 26, 1933 to Dudley and Hartense Oates. He was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Nellie Oates, for 51 years, who preceded in death on March 13, 2009.
Steve served his country as a Corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was employed at Alco Foundry for several years. He was also employed with J.I Case for twenty-two years, retiring in 1992. Steve owned and operated Steve’s Groceries and was the proprietor of the U-Bar and Steve and B’s Lounge.
He leaves to cherish his memory four children, Angela M. Oates of Phoenix,AZ, Darrell K. Oates, Derrick (Gaylynn) Oates, and Dino A. Oates all of Racine; eight grandchildren, April (Bryan) Gentry, Leslie (Lamar) French, D’ Chario Oates, Dominique Greer, Destiny (Cory) Schmidt, Vincent Navarro all of Racine, Mary Oates of Phoenix, AZ, and Derrick (Aisha) Oates II of Antioch, TN; eighteen precious great-grandkids; three sisters, Carolyn (Ben) Shaw of Racine, Marilyn Thomas and Carolyn Oates both of Birmingham, AL; two sisters-in-law, Bernice Oates of Racine and Mary Dean Freeman of Luverne, AL.
He is further survived by a special cousin, Leroy Wooley, and special friend, Ulysses Hodges, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Eudene Thomas and Eularine Johnson; brothers John Oates and Stevie Jackson; brothers-in-law, Joe W. Johnson, Issac B. Thomas, Wilbert Williams, Augustus Williams, and Elbert Williams, and his sisters-in-law, Armilla Holland and Mattie Woods.
His homegoing service will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. To view Steve’s service via livestream, please visit his obituary at www.draeger-langendorf.com. Interment with full military honors will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. https://youtu.be/bY69jxMkWqY
Mary Anderson says
A dear friend of myself and my late husband Thomas. RIP sir.
Brenda petty says
Omg im at a lost for words thank you God for lending us such a warm and gentle spirit we love you mr.steve my condolences to all the families
From the Petty family
Sheila N Grandy says
My deepest condolences to the Oates family, may God strengthen you all during this time, praying for you too
Linda (Hinton) Ivy says
My condolences to you and your family, praying that you will find comfort during your time of bereavement, To the entire family your in my prayers. Linda Ivy
Curtis L Wallin Beaufort,Missouri says
I knew Steve and US Hodges when they both worked at the JICase Company I know they were good friends. Both loved to fish. Steve was a friendly and nice guy to know. He stopped by many times at my QA department to say hello. May he Rest in Peace. My deepest sympathies to
Patricia Henderson says
Im so sorry to hear of Mr. Steve passing. May you rest in paradise.
Demeterius Powell says
I’m sorry for your lost I that God Gives you strength to get through this
Jozell and Jimmy Davies says
Steve was such a special and kind person. I had the pleasure of knowing him since I was a young girl when him and my counsin Nellie first started dating. He would help me with my school homework. I will always love him for that. My heartfelt condolences to the Oates family. You are in our prayers and thoughts. 🙏
Jim 'DOC' Poplawski says
Deepest Sympathy on your loss.
Jim ‘DOC’ Poplawski, Chairman, UAW Local 180 Retirees
Karen Golden(spook2) from Tennessee says
Wow A long time legend Mr. Steve Oates . So sorry to hear about y’all loss . My condolences go out to the entire family. Carolyn (Spook) I love you and Look to God for your strength. I love you 🥲💔💕🙏
Lamar Scaife says
Even though I did not know you that well. You were very close to my grandmother. It breaks my heart to not see you on the phone with her anymore. Rip
Mary Hodges-Mack says
Condolences to the Oakes family. they were like our second family since childhood, My Dads best friend. Steve will truly be missed
The Hodges Family,
U.S. (Ted), Tina, Gwen, Rodney & Mary
Stacy Family says
So sorry for your loss our condolences
Phyllis Stills-Cannon Family. says
Condolences to the Oates family on your loss, he touched so many lives. Steve will not be forgotten, he will always be in our heart.
Gwen Hodges says
Family, It’s hard to believe that Steve-O is gone. Our condolences for your loss. Steve and Dad, best friends for life. Hunting, Fishing and Life matters. Steve was always looking out for Hodges. I really appreciated that. He was also very kind to us. Dino, Angie, Derrick and Darrell I hope you realize how much he loved you all. He loved his family. You are blessed to have two very loving parents. R.I.P. Steve-O in Heaven
Marraco and Felesa Hodges says
I was saddened by the news of the death of Steve Oates. I have known the Oates family for over 45 years. We would go on camping trips to fish at different locations and it was always a fun and memorable time. I also enjoyed all of the hunting trips with him and my uncle Ted Hodges which is one of his best friends for life. Steve was known as the Bandit but he taught me some very valuable life lessons during those times of hunting and fishing trips. Steve will truly be missed. Our prayers go out to the Oates family.
Lisa Morgan says
Heartfelt condolences