Obituary

A handsome baby boy was born on January 4, 1947 to Jackie and Ruby Oates in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They named their son Emmitt. He was the oldest of two children the couple would have together. As a young boy, Emmitt attended Tulsa Public Schools and later graduated with Central High School Class of 1965. Emmitt attended Northeastern State University for a while before he was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam Conflict. An injury ended his active combat duty, and he was honorably discharged at the end of his tour. An avid learner, Emmitt continued his education at Tulsa Junior College and Northeastern State University, later pledging and becoming a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Emmitt was a hard worker and had an amazing work ethic. He was employed by Amoco Petroleum Company and Allied Signal as a Chemist and Lab Technician. After retirement from Allied Signal, Emmitt remained active as a vendor on the rodeo circuit and as a salesman for Mannatech products until his health began to decline. Emmitt was a firm believer in marriage and was married three times. It was through his union with Ava Johnson that three amazing young men were born: Kealan, Levar, and Anthony. He also helped Ava raise Terrance, a son from a previous relationship. He was preceded in death by his mother and uncle. On March 26, 2013, Emmitt surrendered his soul to eternal rest, leaving behind to remember his life journeyFather: Jackie; Sister: Lynn Johnson; Children: Terrance, Kealan and wife Ebony, Levar, and Anthony and wife Elynor; Grandson: Jaydon Anthony Oates; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Condolences may be sent through the guest book on this page.