Obituary - Robert Oats Sr.

Robert Oats Sr. of Box Elder, 88, passed away Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, at his home.

Wake services began at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, and continued until his funeral service, which was at 10:00 a.m. today, Oct. 7, 2019, at St. Mary’s Church in Rocky Boy.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please visit Robert’s online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com or join them at his wake and services.

Robert was born in Rocky Boy on Feb. 15, 1931, to Thomas and Grace (Crazy Boy) Oats.

Robert was drafted into the Korean War and was sent to Fort Ord, California. He was in the Combat Infantry 4th Division of the Army and was honorably discharged at the rank of corporal. A Korean War Veteran, Robert received two Bronze Stars, a National Defense Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, a UN Medal and Combat Infantry Badge.

Robert enjoyed his time in the military but returned home afterward to raise his family. He was a hard worker and worked in construction and roads, for Indian Health Service, the Rocky Boy School District, Rocky Boy Housing and also sat on the tribal council. Robert was a fluent Cree speaker and enjoyed laughing and teasing with anyone he met whether it was in Cree or English.

He was a lifelong rancher, a love that his sons all followed. He was big on family with over 100 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and having been raised with many cousins, aunts and uncles all of whom he loved dearly and kept near and dear. He loved old westerns, especially “Gunsmoke,” and enjoyed sharing stories of his history and many lifetime adventures.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Grace (Crazy Boy) Oats; sons Lowell Oats and Thomas Oats; grandsons Lathine Windy Boy, Shawn Parker, Michael Ray Oats, and Warren Thomas; granddaughters Lori Oats, Tyra Parker; and sister Doris Peeper.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Violet Oats; sons Myron (Jewel) Oats, Robert Jr. (Linda) Oats, Curtis (Claudette) Oats, Robert Joseph Oats, Michael Thomas Oats, and Sheldon (Sharman) Oats; daughters Corrine (Willie) Parisian, Josephine Corcoran, Evelyn Oats, and Carol Oats; sister Alice Songer; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and many friends and extended family.