Retired Cpl. Roger L. Oates, Sr. departed this life July 20, 2013, at the V.A. Medical Center, Clarksburg, WV, following a short illness. The eldest son of the late Clement Wade and Elfie Parrill Oates, Roger was born April 23, 1928. He is survived by his wife, of 62 years, Grace V. Walker Oates whom he married August 4, 1951. Also surviving are son Roger L. Oates, Jr. and wife Gwenda of Buckhannon, WV; his daughter Mary Ann Oates of Ellamore, WV; grandsons Jamie Oates and wife Becky of Gassaway, WV and Jonathan Oates and wife Brittany of Fairmont, WV; great grandchildren Jacob and Emily Oates; sisters Ruby Morris of Front Royal, VA, Margel Hawkins of Stephen City, VA and Ida Mae Pugh of Woodstock, VA and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant daughter Cynthia Lynn; grandson Donnie Grubb; sister Opal Hall and brothers Maurice and Darrell Oates. Roger graduated from Capon Bridge High School. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and upon discharge began working as a city police officer in Capon Bridge, WV. He continued his law enforcement career by graduating from the West Virginia State Police Academy in Institute, WV. He served the detachments in Oak Hill, Union/peterstown, Rainelle, Blue Creek, Chelyan and Buckhannon, before retiring with 22 years of service. He then worked as court security with the U.S. District Court in Elkins, WV. Roger served as Deacon with Sand Run Baptist Church in Buckhannon. He was an avid hunter, liked to fish and was a wood worker in his spare time. He was a member of the American Legion WV Post #7 and the West Virginia State Troopers Retired Members Association. He will be greatly missed. Friends will be received Sunday, July 21, 2013 from 4-7 PM at Sand Run Baptist Church. A funeral service will be held 10 AM Monday at the church with the Rev. Donald Butcher officiating. The Upshur County Honor Guard will be conducting Military Services at the church. Graveside Service and burial will follow at 3:30 PM in the Quaker Cemetery near Capon Bridge, WV. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-st. Clair funeral home is in charge of the arrangements.
