DOUGLAS OATES

Douglas Francis Oates 1924 ~ 2011 Douglas Francis Oates, born August 4, 1924, to William Oates and Hannah Askew, died March 3, 2011, in Jordan Valley Hospital after a brief illness.He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lois Oates; his sister, Margaret Oates Arnesen; sister-in-law, Frances Bylund Oates; six children, Joyce, Donna, William 'Bill' (Ellen), Diane (Justin), Sharon (Forrest), and Noreen; 23 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his sister Helen, brother Clifford, and three grandchildren. He graduated from Granite High school in 1943, went to Texas A&M (as a radioman), and one semester of Utah State University. He served during World War II, from 1943 to 1945, as a radioman aboard LST 1015, in the Pacific. He retired as a postal carrier from the US Post Office after 31 years of service. He also owned and worked a 50 acre farm with 20 milk cows, while enlarging the six room farm house to double its size for his family. He and his wife Lois served an LDS mission to the North Chicago area, 1981-1983. He worked in the Jordan River Temple for 14 years. He served in the LDS Church as Sunday School Superintendent, High Priest Group Leader, Counselor in the Bishopric in Redwood Ward, and various other callings. From the age of 14 until his death, he never missed a month as a Home Teacher, including February 2011. He took great joy and pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His wife whom he loved more than himself was by his side when he died. His faith in the Lord Jesus Christ never wavered. His family is comforted in the belief that he no longer is saddled by an aging body and that he will rise in the first resurrection. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at the River Ridge 4th Ward, 1244 Chavez Dr, South Jordan. A Viewing will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Redwood Memorial Mortuary, 6500 S Redwood Road, and also one hour prior to services at the Church. Interment will be at Redwood Memorial Cemetery.