Donald E. Oates

Donald E. Oates, 88, of Lakeview, Ohio, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.

He was born on September 4, 1937, in Dunkirk, Ohio, to John and Marie (Thomas) Oates. Donald married Delores VanAtta, and she preceded him in death.

Donald belonged to the Pentecostal Church. He liked attending car shows with his '85 Cadillac and Dodge Charger Daytona and enjoyed playing slots at casinos. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge #1533 in Lakeview.

He served in the United States Army with honor and later retired from Cooper Tire and Rubber Company following forty years of employment.

Donald is survived by his children, Edward (Rosemary) Oates of Lakeview, and Tony Oates of Findlay; 6 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his siblings, Barb Shriver of Florida, Nancy Meyer of Arizona, Sharon Oates of Findlay, Denny Oates of Florida, and stepbrother, Charlie Durain of Findlay.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Oates and Marie Durain; wife, Delores Oates; daughter, Vicki Rinehammer; granddaughter, Julie Thompson; siblings, Dick Oates, Earl Oates, Ray Oates, and Carol Miller.

Friends and family may visit from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026, as well as from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, where a funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., with Michael Vandyne Jr. presiding. All services will be at HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay, (419-422-1500). Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery with full military rites performed by the Hancock County Memorial Squad.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.huffordfh.com.