Walter Henry "Babe" Oades

Dear Jeanne, Dave, Bill, and family:

I had the pleasure of knowing Babe for many years at Bally's Health Club. He was the friendliest man at the club. I not only enjoyed visiting with him during aerobics class, but we would many times go for coffee. We shared our Catholic faith, love of big families, and we were both from Detroit. If you do not believe that I know your father, ask me what his favorite jokes were. I will start with the spaghetti and meatball...

Goodbye to my friend,fellow parishoner,commanding officer,insurance competitor,and all around good guy. I was unable to attend any of his services but my heart was there. I remember when he was taking up collection at Visitation church one Sunday and my,then,four year old son was continually crawling under the pews so that I had to get out of our pew and fetch him several times. Babe was passing the basket and leaned down to me and whispered "God is finally paying you back". My own father had...

Dear Patty and Rosie and family,
It's incredible to read the comments here of how Babe touched so many lives. He was a special man whose presence seemed like sunshine to everyone. I'm sure you all feel blessed by his life. He made a beautiful and memorable impression on mine. And he was a great dancer! Prayers and love to all of you.
Love,
Nancy O'Brien

Dear Oades Family, I am sorry about your father and that I didn't know him better. I know he was a great man just by knowing your family. I wish you all peace and laughter. Take care and I will see you soon.

Hi Patty. It's been a long time since our Visitation/St.Teresa's days. I'm sorry to have heard about your Dad. He insured all three of my motorcycles and several cars. He was honest and fair. He never questioned my sanity and always shared a great joke. My thoughts and prayers are with you. ABR

Dear Oades family,

Knowing Dennie through St. John's United Methodist Church, I realized her parents must be special people. It appears from the newspaper description of "Babe's" life that he was a special person indeed!

I'm sorry I wasn't able to greet you in person at the funeral, but please know that my prayers are with you in your loss. I know others in our church are praying for you as well.

Blessings,

Ginny Miller

I am a friend of grandson Jay Oades and met 'Babe' several times at family functions. The color of his character and smile are something that I will never forget. The stories he would tell and the expression on his face are priceless. His life is a fine example of what it is to be a man.

Col. Oades, Sir, I made several long trips with you "In Charge" on C-124 & C-130 aircraft. I was a crew chief for many years, then in Maintenance Control. I retired with total 35 years (active & rreserve). LOVE & Regards to the family, Earl Kling

BIll Jr. and Family

I did not know your Father but I know enough about his legacy from his life history and tremendous family to tell me all that I need to know. Obviuously a great man that I wish I had known. He shares a birthday with my mother. My thoughts are with you.