Richard "Rick" Anthony Oates
1953 - 2012
printable version
Richard "Rick" Anthony Oates, 59, of Findlay, passed away Friday, July 27, 2012. Rick was born July 25, 1953 to Raymond & Evelyn (Waxler) Oates. He was happily married to the love of his life, Deborah Kay (Letso) Oates on October 26, 1986. He is survived by his wife and two sons, Ronald Anthony Oates and Brian Anthony Oates, both of Findlay.
Rick is also survived by his mother, Evelyn Oates and siblings: Patricia Elaine (Alan) Wisner, Daniel (Kimala) Oates, Jennifer Steiner, Douglas (Stacy) Oates, Karen (Thomas) Barnes and Sandra (John) Ballard; mother-in-law, Lida Ethel Ferguson, sisters-in-law: Linda (Randy) Simons and Mary Jo (Chuck) Myers and numerous nieces and nephews who will always remember Uncle Rick as Santa. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Oates and father-in-law, Lester "Pops" Ferguson.
Rick "Oatie" graduated from Arlington High School in 1971, earning 11 varsity letters as a football, basketball and baseball standout and capped off a brilliant gridiron career as a first-team all-Ohio linebacker in 1970. Rick went on to a four-year football college career at Capital University. He was a first-team all-Ohio Conference linebacker and a co-captain as a senior. He was inducted into the Hancock County Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church.
Rick's passion was golf. If Rick wasn't at home or working, you could find him out at Sycamore Springs Golf Course where he was a member since 1980. He was very proud to have had two hole-in-ones, the first one being in January of '93 and the second one last year. At home, you could find him sitting in his recliner doing a crossword puzzle and cuddling with the family pets.
Rick was a soft and gentle soul who had a dimpled smile for everyone. He had an amazing sense of humor that was enjoyed by all.
Rick was a customer service representative for City Laundry for the past 18 years. He previously worked for Eckrich Meats, Sycamore Spring Golf Course and drove the family water delivery truck. We will love him and cherish the happy times in our hearts forever.
Funeral services will be at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay with visitation from 2:00-8:00 p.m. prior to the service. Pastor Christian Dittmar will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Bosse's Bosom Buddies in care of the Chase Bank on Tiffin Avenue in Findlay and/ or the Arlington Athletic Boosters for Outside Facilities. Online condolences may be made via www.coldrencrates.com.
Service Information
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Visitation Details:
COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME
[Map]
205 West Sandusky Street
Findlay, Ohio 45840
Wednesday, August 1st 2012 2:00-8:00 PM
Funeral Service:
Wednesday, August 1st 2012 - 8:00 PM
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Service Location:
COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME [Map]
205 West Sandusky Street
Findlay, Ohio 45840
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Final Resting Place:
[Map]
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Contributions:
American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Bosse s Bosom Buddies
c/o Chase Bank
1917 Tiffin Ave.
Findlay, Ohio 45840
Arlington Athletic Boosters for Outside Facilities
336 S. Main Street
Arlington, Ohio 45814
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Instructions:
Condolences For Richard "Rick" Anthony Oates
| To : All of Rick's Family |
Date :Monday, July 30th 2012 |
| From : Doug Coldren |
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I was so sorry to hear of Rick's passing Thinking about all of you at this time
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| To : Deb and Family |
Date :Saturday, July 28th 2012 |
| From : Cindy Wenzinger |
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Deb Ronnie and Brian My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time I remember your husband and Dad as a kind man I am so sorry for your loss With Deepest Sympathy Earl and Cindy worked with Deb at Morey' Wenzinger
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| To : The Oates Family |
Date :Monday, July 30th 2012 |
| From : Brad Boroff |
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Rick was one of those guys who never had to say to much and still be able to touch a life I remember trekking around Sycamore Springs quite a few time with Rick in the 90's A great golfer and an even greater manMy condolences to all
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| To : Mrs Oates Ronnie and Brian |
Date :Saturday, July 28th 2012 |
| From : Michael And Chenoa Reed |
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We are very sorry to hear about your loss Chenoa doesn't know Mr Oates like I do but i would like to say he was a good man very nice guy Oates family I am very sorry for your loss but know that from this day forward Mr Oates will be watching your everymove and staying in your hearts I'm very sorry I'm not able to attend the service I wish i was there to see off Mr Oates one last time for he has taught me alot as well If you or your family ever needs anything don't hesitate to ask God Bless
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| To : Oates Family |
Date :Monday, July 30th 2012 |
| From : Brittany Barton and Family |
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I'm sorry to hear about Rick's passing His memory will be in your hearts foreverYou are all in my thoughts and prayers
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| To : The Oates Family |
Date :Tuesday, July 31st 2012 |
| From : Luke A Dysinger |
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Rick trained me as a driver at City Laundry years ago I had great respect for him as he never talked down to anybody and ALWAYS had words of encouragement I use some of his words today in talking to others I was suprised to see his obituary as I had just talked to him a little over a month ago I suspect there are MANY lives that he had touched in some way My prayers are with you
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| To : Deb and family |
Date :Sunday, July 29th 2012 |
| From : Dick Taylor |
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I feel fortunate to have known Rick for many years in our youthHigh School and to have shared brief but warm greetings with him over the years as an adultI feel lucky to have never had to play football aginst himhe made each of us he played with better and was an insiration to all of us on those AHS teamson and off the fieldSo sorry for all of your loss a loss that is shared by so many who's lives he touched
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| To : The Family of Richard Rick Oates |
Date :Saturday, July 28th 2012 |
| From : Jack Glick |
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At a time like this when sadness swallows us words are so hard to findEach day's a struggle as pain follows us and tears make us feel blind May your memories help lighten the load your heart bears inside youMay you draw strength every day from knowing how much others care about you My Deepest SympathyJack Glick
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| To : Oates Family |
Date :Saturday, July 28th 2012 |
| From : Becky Wells-Freeman |
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In deepest sympathy on the loss of Rick You are in our prayers during this time God Bless you all
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| To : The Oates family |
Date :Saturday, July 28th 2012 |
| From : Jon Treece |
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Please accept my deepest sympathy What a loss for all that knew RickJon
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| To : Evelyn Oats |
Date :Monday, July 30th 2012 |
| From : Marilyn Reamsnyder Klingler |
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I am so sorry to hear of Ricks passing It is hard to lose a child May the Lord strengthen you and your family at this time
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| To : The Oates Family |
Date :Monday, July 30th 2012 |
| From : John Theresa Davis |
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Our deepest sympathy to you May God comfort those who mourn He was a good man and we are sure heavens gates have been opened for himPeace to youJohn Theresa Davis
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| To : Family Friends of Rick Oates |
Date :Monday, July 30th 2012 |
| From : Chuck Cramer |
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I was sick the first day of school On the second day of school Rick and I sat at the same table When Mrs Larson told us to write cat on our tablet using one of those pencils the size of horse's leg Rick made sure that I knew how to spell it
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| To : The Family of Rick Oates |
Date :Sunday, July 29th 2012 |
| From : Brint Simmons |
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I am an employee at Nissin Brake Ohio Rick delivered our uniforms He always had a friendly smile pleasant demeanor and an encouraging word He truly was a very nice man I am very sorry for your loss
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| To : The family of Rick Oates |
Date :Tuesday, July 31st 2012 |
| From : Scott Brown |
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What a shame to hear of Rick's sudden passing Many of my childhood memories in Arlington include Rick especially different sports activities we shared He was a very gentle and genuine man and he left an impact on all who called him friend
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| To : Deb and the Oates family |
Date :Sunday, July 29th 2012 |
| From : Pam Porter |
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Words cannot express the deep sympathy sent to you I will be praying and thinking of you allthis has to be so hard to be going through such a loss But we all know rick wouldnt want it that way so be strong He will always be in your hearts Deb I met you at my sisters Kathy Wagners house We were the fire keepers that night You could tell how much Rick thought of youhis love will never diePlease know I will keep you in thought
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| To : Deb Oates Oates Letso family's |
Date :Monday, July 30th 2012 |
| From : Uncle Stephen Letso |
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Wish the best to all who new Rick to overcome the sorrow of the lost of him the memory's of Rick will last forever in our minds SL
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| To : The Oats Family |
Date :Tuesday, July 31st 2012 |
| From : Marlene Clevenger Drane |
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My sympathy I graduated a year behind Rick We hung out together with a group of mutual friends He was always such a nice guy One that will be missed alot May God bring comfort and healing to you family In Christ Marlene
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| To : The Oates Famly |
Date :Tuesday, July 31st 2012 |
| From : Grover and Sandy Rutter |
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You have our deepest sympathy Our thoughts and prayers are with youGrover Sandy Rutter
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| To : Elaine Wisner |
Date :Tuesday, July 31st 2012 |
| From : Deb Guinther |
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Hi Elaine Sorry to hear of your brothers passing you and your family have my sympathy I often think of our bowling days and miss you girls Hope all is well with you Deb
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| To : Rick Oates Family |
Date :Tuesday, July 31st 2012 |
| From : John Reinking Family |
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So sorry to hear about your loss May God be with you at this difficult time We will all be praying for you
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| To : The Oates Family |
Date :Wednesday, August 1st 2012 |
| From : Charlie and Carol Breitigam |
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Though we cannot feel your pain we do share your sorrowTake strength in your memories and have faith in tomorrowCharlie and Carol Breitigam
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| To : Evelyn Oates Family |
Date :Wednesday, August 1st 2012 |
| From : Marlene Randy Snoke |
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My heart is breaking right beside Yours Will be in touchsoon and have some time together Gods' Blessings my love Marlene
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| To : Evelyn Oates Family |
Date :Wednesday, August 1st 2012 |
| From : Marlene Randy Snoke |
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My heart is breaking right beside Yours Will be in touchsoon and have some time together Gods' Blessings my love Marlene
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| To : Deb and family |
Date :Tuesday, July 31st 2012 |
| From : Deb Jeff Miller |
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DebWe were so very sorry to hear about Rick's passing Please know that Jeff and I are praying for you and your boys I never knew Rick but know that he must have been a very special person to be married to you Our most heartfelt sympathies
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| To : Deb and family |
Date :Tuesday, July 31st 2012 |
| From : Deb Jeff Miller |
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DebWe were so very sorry to hear about Rick's passing Please know that Jeff and I are praying for you and your boys I never knew Rick but know that he must have been a very special person to be married to you Our most heartfelt sympathies
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| To : The Oates Family |
Date :Tuesday, July 31st 2012 |
| From : Barb Stein Donegan |
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I first met Rick when I started at City Laundry He was always in a good mood even when orders weren't always completed You could tell when golfing season was in full swing just by his mood I just chatted with him where I know work at Walmart and joked with him about golfing Your family is in my prayers and my heartfeld sympathies go out to you
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| To : Evelyn Oates and Family |
Date :Wednesday, August 1st 2012 |
| From : Dan and Paulette Hartman |
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We wanted to send you our condolences Loosing a child has to be hard but knowing where he is I am sure is very comforting Even though we did not know Ricks wife or children please extend our sympathy to them as well Our prayers are with you and all of your familySincerelyDan and Paulette Hartman
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| To : Karen Barnes |
Date :Wednesday, August 1st 2012 |
| From : Debbie Amstutz |
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So very sorry to hear of Rick's passing And sorry that we are away and can't attend service You are in my thoughts and prayersDebbie Amstutz
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| To : Family and friends |
Date :Wednesday, August 1st 2012 |
| From : Jim and Sandy Businger |
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We are so sorry to hear about Rick's passing Through our years of marriage Jim has told me so many wonderful stories about Rick He was a wonderful person His love of sports bring back so many exciting stories that Jim will always treasures Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time May God Bless you Jim and Sandy Businger
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| To : Doug Oates |
Date :Wednesday, August 1st 2012 |
| From : Mary Aldrich |
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My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family I am so sorry for your loss
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| To : Deborah |
Date :Wednesday, August 1st 2012 |
| From : Mavis Wilkinson Garber |
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I went to high school with RickOatie I was married to Larry Hindall we were all close friends we had many of great times together He was just a great person I am so sorry for your loss you have my deapest sympathies and condolences Mavis Garber
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| To : Mrs Deb Oates |
Date :Wednesday, August 1st 2012 |
| From : Rachael Barger |
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DebI was so sorry to learn about our loss I remember you and Rick together at The Gathering and seeing how much you loved each other I am pray that God will comfort you and the boysRachael
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| To : The Oates Family |
Date :Thursday, August 2nd 2012 |
| From : Karen Cramer Barchent |
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Dear Oates FamilyI recall quite a few Cramer-Oates outings and remember how kind Rick always was to me even when he was at our house just to visit Chuck Other memories include him playing catcher without a mask - just this once - whereupon breaking his nose Rick will be missed in our community for sure and you have my deepest sympathy SincerelyKaren Cramer Barchent
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| To : The Richard Oates Family |
Date :Thursday, August 2nd 2012 |
| From : The Big O |
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Oatie was a true friend one of my best He was beyond being a great young man perhaps that is why he is now an angel We had many great fun times in college as we were united as teammates friends brothers in Christ Rick helped all of us see the Holy Spirit the love of God in each of us He helped each one to be a better person See you in heaven my brother Oh yes one more comment he could really stick you on the football field
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| To : The Oates Family |
Date :Thursday, August 2nd 2012 |
| From : Van Mancuso |
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I was a team mate of Rick's at Capital So sorry to hear of his passing My sincere condolences
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| To : The Oates Family |
Date :Thursday, August 2nd 2012 |
| From : Wells Fargo Advisors Office Staff |
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Our sincere sympathy to Rick's family We looked forward to seeing him every week What a great guy
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| To : Deb and Family |
Date :Thursday, August 2nd 2012 |
| From : Marty Wagner |
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I knew Oatie from Capital many years ago He was a great person and a good friendI graduated from Capital in 1973 and have wondered from time to time about Oatie and where he was and what he was doing Being from Lima I brought Oatie back to Arlington from Columbus several times Iam so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you
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| To : The Oates Family |
Date :Friday, August 3rd 2012 |
| From : Dave Steele |
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So sorry to hear of Rick's passing As his roommate at Capital I was blessed to know him as the class individual he was He made everyone he touched a better person and his spirit will live on with all of us God Bless you my brother
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