Obituary for Dr. Larry A. Oates

Dr. Larry A. Oates passed away on Nov. 16, 2025 at Blanchard Valley Hospital Bridge Hospice Unit. He was 87 years old. Born in Kenton to Gordon and Helen (Rush) Oates in 1938, he attended school in Dunkirk, Ohio and later graduated from Hardin Northern High School. He attended the Ohio State University for both undergraduate and medical school, graduating in 1964. He did an internship at the University of North Carolina, and returned to OSU for his internal medicine residency.

After practicing in Columbus for a year, he joined the Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, practicing in California, North Carolina, and the Washington D.C. area, rising to Medical Director in all three regions. He was a Board Member of the National Committee on Quality Assurance and represented the organization to the Maryland Congress. Whatever his position, he continued to practice in the clinics and was beloved by his patients.

In 1959 he married Margaret Putnam and leaves two sons from that marriage, Scott Douglas (Heidi) and David Wayne (Mary). In 1988 he married Helen Michele (Gregg) and gained a daughter, Kelly Michele (McLaughlin). He leaves his five grandchildren; Jennifer Oates (Mejia), Stephen Oates, Ryan Oates, Tessa Oates (Jodar) and John McLaughlin. He was preceded in death by his brothers Walter (Gloria) and James (Sue).

After retirement to Kenton, Ohio, he sat on the Boards of the YMCA and the Hardin County Health Department. He loved the family farm and spent 20 years caring for it until his health declined. He will be sadly missed by his wife Michele and the entire family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025 at the SCHINDEWOLF-STOUT-CRATES FUNERAL HOME from 3:00 – 5:00 pm, where a funeral will begin at 5:00 pm. Interment will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025 in Grove Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in his name. Online condolences can be sent via stoutcrates.com.