Robert Oats Sr., 88, of Box Elder, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2019 at his home. Wake services will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2019, and will continue until his funeral service, which will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 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 www.hollandbonine.com or join them at his wake and services.

Robert was born in Rocky Boy on February 15, 1931 to Thomas and Grace (Crazy Boy) Oats. Robert was drafted into the Korean War and was sent to Ft. Ord, California. He was in the Combat Infantry 4 ^th 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.