Steven Oates, 60, passed away in Tucson, AZ, on Monday, April 23, 2012. Steven was born in Racine on March 31, 1952, the son of James H. and Bernice (nee: Thomas) Oates Sr. He was educated in the Racine Unified School Systems. He served his country with the U.S. Army . Steven enjoyed playing and watching basketball, and shooting pool.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Felicia Beechem, and Percy (Judy) Beechem, both of Racine, and Bonita Moss, of Junction City, AR; 6 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; his mother, Bernice Oates, of Racine; brothers, James (Pamela) Oates Jr., and Willie Oates, both of Racine, Charles (Brenda) Oates, of Inman, S.C., and Dudley (Maureen) Oates, of Marna, AZ. Steven is further survived by his nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, other relatives and friends. Steven was preceded in death by his father, James Henry Oates Sr., and by grandmothers, Hortense Ford and Maissie Thomas.

His memorial Homegoing service will be held in the funeral home on Friday, May 4 ^th , at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. James Oates Jr., Rev. John Thomas, and loving nephew, Imam Wali Shakoor, officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park.