Lewis Oatts Sr., 88 of Louisville,KY., went home to be with God on June 2, 2011. He was born April 5, 1923 in Monticello,KY to Shelby and Bessie Coffey Oatts. Dave and Bessie had five children together and lived at Oatts Bottom until the Corp. of Engineers bought the farm to build Lake Cumberland. Lewis learned to farm; and at age 14, he and his sister Margaret were both saved, joined the church, and were baptized together.
In 1951, Lewis married Gleah Mae Latham of Albany, Ky. They had three children, Judy Oatts Vannatta, Louisville, KY; Lewis Ted Oatts, Columbus, OH; and George David Oatts (Kim), Nicholasville, KY. In 1954 the family moved to Dayton, OH. where Lewis started his own trucking company. He was a member of the Dayton Baptist Temple and Fairview Baptist Church. In the 1981, Lewis moved to Baytown, TX. and joined the Northside Baptist Church making many lasting friends. In 2006, Lewis moved to Louisville, KY to be near his family. He fought the good fight in life and always praised the name of God no matter what the circumstances.
Lewis gave to various ministries, and had a heart for the poor and orphans. He loved to hear and sing the old hymns; and with a twinkle in his eye never missed an opportunity to talk to anyone about "Sweet Jesus". He always had a story to tell.
He was preceded in death by parents Shelby Dave and Bessie Oatts; sisters, Emma and Nell Oatts; brother, Shell Oatts; and niece Janette of Monticello, KY. He is survived by his loving sister, Margaret Oatts Barker (Charles); Seven grandchildren, Michael Vannatta, Louisville, KY; Jennifer Oatts Martinez (Fernando), Diane Oatts Loehr (Jason), John Oatts and Robin Oatts all of Columbus, OH; Tyler and Wesley Oatts of Nicholasville, KY; nieces, Phyllis Barker, Priscilla George (Tom), Bess Anderson (Bud), Doris Cooper (Ken), and nephew, Bill Oatts.
Expressions may go to, The Samaritan's Purse, International Relief (A Franklin Graham Ministry)