Rev. Dr. Caleb Eugene Oates

(Asbury Park Press)

REV. DR. CALEB
EUGENE OATES
FARMINGDALE
Rev. Caleb Eugene Oates, died Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009. He was born April 5, 1917 to Emma Ethel Roberts and David Pilgrim Oates in Shelby, N.C. He moved to New Jersey in 1927 and joined the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Temple in Asbury Park, which was pastored by the late Rev. E. D. Crawley, where he was baptized and served faithfully as a member. He completed high school in New York and furthered his education at Rutgers University. As a youth, Caleb excelled in various sports, but was particularly drawn to golf and played in the Negro Golf Association for nearly 20 years. In 1942, while serving in the U.S. Army, he was called into the ministry and served as assistant chaplain in the European theatre with the first army. During his military tenure, he attained the rank of assistant chaplain to the 47th Battalion received 5 Battle Stars, the Bronze Medal for Bravery, and the Good Conduct Medal. After his discharge, he returned to his job with the United States Air Force Command in Eatontown, and resumed his civilian and ministerial activities. It was not long after this that he received the call to become the Pastor of the Bethany Baptist Church, Farmingdale. There, he began his ministry in a one room school house, with nine members, five adults and four children. In spite of the small number of worshippers, Rev. Oates instituted a full church program and a teaching ministry, which increased his membership to such an extent that Bethany became known throughout the state of N.J. for the singing of its five choirs; its outstanding youth program (directed by the late Mrs. Authella Oates); and the many activities organized by the pastor to make Bethany the center of all community programs. For 53 years, Rev. Oates was married to Authella R. Walker who is credited with initiating many programs. To this union was born two sons, Pastor Bernard and David Oates. Together, in 1956, Rev. and Mrs. Oates organized the Bethany Baptist Federal Credit Union, and he had been the president since its inception. During his ministry, Rev. Oates has held many responsible positions within the church's organizations such as secretary, treasurer, vice moderator and moderator of the Seacoast Missionary Association; treasurer, secretary, 2nd V.P. of the National Baptist Convention Inc. of USA; Chairman of the Juvenile Committee of Howell and Farmingdale; served four years on MLK's Memorial Commission, State of N.J.; served on the Values Commission, State of N.J. In 1988, he went to Russia representing the N.J. Council of Churches and General Baptist State Convention of N.J. He served as president of the General Baptist State Convention; V.P. and President of the Monmouth-Ocean chapters of Federal Credit Unions, Secretary and V.P. & President of the Rotary Club of Farmingdale and Howell Township, received the Town & Country award for the six Mid-Atlantic States. He's listed in "Who's Who in the East," and has received numerous awards: Honorary Doctor's Degree, International Platform Association member, Society of Distinguished American High School Students, member of the N.J. Council of Churches; member of Affirmative Action Committee, Howell Township; NAACP life member, was presented with Minister of the Year by the N.J. Afro American Newspaper; The Jewish War Veterans, the Kiwanis, and other civic organizations. He attended the Baptist World Alliance in Stockholm, Sweden, Toronto, Canada, and Sidney, Australia; and authored the book, "The Deacon & His Office". In December 1999, Rev. Oates married his present wife Ruby Egerton. During this union, they became a great team for Bethany Baptist Church. Ruby always worked side by side with Rev. to get all things done in decency and order. Ruby was a loving and caring wife to her husband, and was by his side when he was called home.
Rev. Oates was predeceased by his first wife, Authella R. Walker; and his son, David C. Oates. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruby; his eldest son, Pastor Bernard D. Oates and wife Doris of Neptune; five grandchildren, Anita and husband Selvyn Brown of Delaware, Cheryl Oates of Asbury Park, Eric Oates of Charlotte, N.C., Kevin Seawright of Lakewood, and Michael Seawright of Texas; nine great-grandchildren, Kyraun Wilson, Asante Oates, Zhaityhia Oates, Ozhanai Miller, Jhavontei Roberts of Asbury Park, Shakaylah Brown, DeVauntay Brown, and Shikoyah Brown of Delaware, and Tshyrad Oates of Jersey City; his extended family, Sharon Murray and Bridget Jones of Atlanta, Ga., Zakiyyah and Nadirah Jones, and Simone Kegler of Atlanta, Ga.; one great-great-granddaughter, Ka'Myla Wilson of Asbury Park; his nephew and best friend, Max Daniels of Lake Como; a niece and nephew, Helen O. Boome of Albany, N.Y., and Fred Oates Jr. of Racine, Wis.; a nephew, Carl Stout of Asbury Park; two sisters-in-law, Oretha and husband James Ward of Franklinton, N.C., and Wendy Jones of Louisville, Ky.; two brothers-in-law, George and wife Roberta Egerton of Freehold, and Jeffrey and wife Marilyn Egerton of Washington, D.C.; a god-daughter, Brenda Hampton Wilson of Englishtown; and a host of loving relatives and dear friends.
Viewing hours will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 at Bethany Baptist Church, West Farms Road, Farmingdale. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 at the church. Interment will be on Monday, Sept. 21 in Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown. James H. Hunt Funeral Home, Asbury Park, is in charge of arrangements. Letters of condolence for the family may be emailed to the funeral home (jhhunt@optonline.net).