Robert C. Oates, 78, of Loveland, Colo., formerly of Arlington Heights, retired in 1987 as an accountant for Chicago Freight Car Leasing Co., Park Ridge, after 42 years of service. Mr. Oates, a Chicago native, died Saturday, Feb. 17, in his home. Mr. Oates served in the Navy as commander of LCT 956, a landing craft tank, in the Philippines during World War II. “He was so well-respected,” said his wife, Loretta. “They said he was the best commander in that group. He was the poor man’s Bob Newhart. He had a dry sense of humor. He was a wonderful human being.” His son Bob J. said: “His best quality was his sense of humor. Having eight kids, he had humor and patience. He worked for the founder of Chicago Freight Car [the late Fred Sasser] and later for his kids. He worked with them as they built up the company from a four-man office.” Other survivors include five more sons, John, Tom, Alan, Tim and Dennis; two daughters, Susan Jensen and Eileen; 13 grandchildren; and a great-grandson. A visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights. Prayers will be said at 8:45 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home. A mass will follow at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, 432 W. Park St., Arlington Heights.
