
Andy “O" Oatman, loving husband, father and friend, passed away at the age of 55 on December 30, 2019, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Michelle; sons - Graham Oatman of Los Angeles and Riley Oatman of Tulsa. Also his sister, Melissa Thompson of Melbourne, Australia and brother, Richard Oatman of Overland Park, Kansas and many other family and friends.
Andy was born to Michael “Ol’ Mike” and Barbara “Janey” Oatman on April 15, 1964 in El Paso, Texas. He enjoyed a long and satisfying career in radio broadcasting, beginning at KFDI in Wichita, Kansas and at Tulsa’s Country Station, 98.5 KVOO. Andy continued to share his love of music at Bishline Banjo Acoustic Academy in Tulsa. Andy loved BIG. He loved his boys, music and making people laugh.
A celebration of life will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, January 4, 2020, at Harvard Avenue Christian Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts in Andy’s honor to The Children’s Hospital Foundation at St. Francis (https://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/donate) Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Hey Michelle. Doug Wood here. I really enjoyed working with the Oatman family, as you know. I miss Andy. He was a great personality and extremely talented. We had fun in the Country Music Business working together with Great Empire Broadcasting. Thank you.
Doug Wood
The memories of our childhood antics in Colorado still bring a smile to my face. Andy lives on.
Scott Claflin
The first time I met Andy he was a twelve year old, budding Ranch Hand looking to add his personality, off beat sense of humor, and musical talent to the Radio Ranch here in Wichita. Over the years he always had a smile and a funny story to share. I can still see him walking down the hallway at KFDI doing his impression of his Dad with his shoulders scrunched and legs bowed just like "ol' tee-legged be-legged bowlegged curly-headed pee williker ol' Mike." He was a hoot to watch Andy loved country music--especially western swing--and he loved playing it. Probably owned every Asleep at the Wheel and Bob Wills album ever recorded. He was a good guy and everybody he knew is gonna miss him. I know I will. To Michelle and the entire Oatman family, please accept our heart felt condolences Keith Boscher & Susan Bowers
Keith Boscher
Andy was a delight; I used to buy Live Remotes on KVOO & asked specifically for Andy O to do them. He was hilarious. He used to call me Jane, Stop this crazy thing, even on the air! He pretty much kept us in stitches. So sorry to see him passing at such a young age. He will be missed.
Jane Lyon
Growing up with Andy in the Dell back in Wichita, KS made a strong impression on me. Andy kind of taught the rest of us what "cool" was: a quick wit, a guaranteed laugh, the flash of a smile, and a kind gesture. God and all of us know that Andy was often a devil as much as an angel, but it was always in the pursuit of a thrill as opposed to hurting anyone. He made joie de vivre into an art form and always led the way to good times and great memories. I'm glad that I was able to reach out to him recently. I hope that Michelle, Riley, Graham, Melissa, and Richard can move into the new year confidently knowing that Andy lived life — and left it — on his terms. May we all take a page or two from his book of life and enjoy what we already have, sharing our own special gifts with one another and learning that life really is the moment right in front of you and not somewhere off in the future. God bless us all for having known Michael Andrew Oatman.
Todd Thompson
Andy was an exceptionally kind man with a wonderful sense of humor. He helped raise money for Children's Medical Center (CMC) when I was the foundation director for CMC. I always thought about him whenever I heard anyone on the radio after he left KVOO and CMC was gone. He left an indelible mark on Tulsa. My sympathies for his family and those who loved him. Janice Edmiston
Janice Edmiston
The BIG Smile! Always! I have fond memories of Andy from School. I was fortunate to be in a musical with him. "South Pacific"! Andy was Always making the cast laugh. He was a natural in front of people. I enjoy the memories:) Always a happy guy in the halls- always a "Hello"! I know for sure you will leave a HUGE Hole everywhere you have been. Heaven is sweeter today. Heather ( Weber ) Wheeler
Heather Jo Wheeler
To the Oatman family, I am so sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. I remember great times at the Oatman home for cast parties after school plays. Enjoyed having each one of the Oatman kids in class. I want to express my condolences to you all. Sending prayers and loving thoughts. Ms. Nancy Fredrickson (Ms Fred)
Nancy Fredrickson
Andy O...ohhhh my...what a hoot he was! I loved that man! He made me laugh. He helped me start my morning! My girlfriends at work knew I just loved Andy O! They arranged for him to call me on the morning of my 40th birthday (some years ago!!!). I didn't realize I was on the air with him. Oh what a time we had! They also took me to meet him in person at Boot City. I was absolutely speechless. They still give me heck about that, as I am not a speechless type gal. I was in awe of this wonderful man. My heart goes out to his wife and family. I know he will be missed by all. See ya in heaven funny man!
Vicki Stites
Andy thrilled and entertained all of us in Wichita with his late afternoon show on KFDI long before he won the hearts of his listeners at KVOO. Wichita's loss was truly a remarkable win for Tulsa. He has left his listeners, friends and family members far too soon. I can still hear Andy … happy, joyous and ever talented on his radio show … it's just that he's broadcasting on a new frequency and from a tower further away … and he's still doing his show, trying to make us live, love, laugh and appreciate every minute of our lives. God speed, Michael Andrew Oatman, God speed.
Patricia & Sean McEnulty
Andy and the KVOO family was the only radio station in Tulsa to play my CD in the early 90’s, he treated everyone as a friend!
Robby Wilkes
Andy was program director when I worked with him at KVOO ,but I will never say I worked for him, I worked with him and that's the way he wanted it. He had respect for everyone in the business. A great broadcaster and even a better person. I took him quail hunting with me and spent time with him outside of radio. [ He was a better DJ than a quail shot ] but our time away was enjoyed by both. Andy, I'm so glad we had time for a long talk a couple of weeks ago. Even though we were both hurting, you were so upbeat and told me you were going to a better place and with all my heart , I believe that. You will be missed, not only by your family but many, many friends of which I am one. Jack Fox
Jack Fox
we have known the oatman family for many wonderful years and I have so much respect for ANDY and his entire family. I enjoyed working for and with ANDY AND MiCHELLE at kvoo and have never in all my years met anyone I love and respect any more than ANDY O....we will miss you so much... be sure and tell the folks in heaven hello. the billy parker family
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