Gary Lee Oates
November 1, 1947 — February 22, 2016
Gary Lee Oates, 68, of Linesville, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2016, at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born November 1, 1947, in Meadville, he was the son of Robert and Marleah Partch Oates. He married Barbara Hawk on September 12, 1966, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Linesville.
Gary graduated from Linesville High School in 1965.
He had worked for Avtex Fibers in Meadville, Molded Fiber Glass in Linesville, and the Pennsylvania Fish Commission.
Barb and Gary were members of the Calvary Baptist Church for several years. He had faithfully attended the Greenville First Baptist Church. He was a member and supporter of the National Rifle Association.
Gary loved nature and being outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He loved hiking at Kinzua Dam with Barbara and spending time there with his family. Gary cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his loving wife of 49 years, Barbara Oates; a son, Steven Oates and his wife, Lori, of Cambridge Springs; a daughter, Michelle Gerlach and her husband, Todd, of Creston, Ohio; four grandchildren, Cassandra Oates and her significant other, Kody Chamberlain, Dylon Oates, Katie Cook and Allison Oates; a great-grandson, Ayden Chamberlain; a sister, Lucretia Matthews and her husband, Marvin, of Valrico, Florida; a brother, Richard Oates and his wife, Terrie, of Linesville; many nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Greenville First Baptist Church, 60 Shenango St., Greenville, with Pastor David Cox, officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, 16792 Conneaut Lake Rd., or to Hospice of Crawford County, 464 Pine St., both of Meadville, Pa 16335.
Arrangements are under the direction of Royal-Coleman Funeral Home, 6028 U.S. Highway 6, Linesville.
Please share a condolence or memory of Gary for the family at royalcolemanfuneralhome.com.