Sept. 9, 1931 – Mar. 3, 2025
Huddleston McKinley “Hudd” Oates, 93, passed away on March 3, 2025, in Weed, California. Born on September 11, 1931, in Happy Camp, California, he lived a life marked by hard work, dedication, and a deep love for his family and community. He was a proud member of the Karuk Tribe.
Hudd proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. Originally slated for deployment to Korea, he was instead stationed in Germany due to his father’s exposure to mustard gas during World War I and him being the only son. His time in the military instilled in him a strong sense of duty and resilience that carried through the rest of his life.
A gifted mechanic, Hudd had an uncanny ability to fix anything with an engine. Over the years, he applied his skills at Mallory Chevrolet, International Paper, Peters Truck Lines, and Roseburg Forest Products. He was known for helping anyone who dropped by the house that had an issue with a vehicle or piece of equipment. When asked why he became a mechanic, he responded “I like doing something that helps people.”
Beyond his career, Hudd found joy in the great outdoors. He loved fishing—especially in high mountain lakes and for steelhead, usually on the Klamath River. He was an avid deer hunter and loved spending time at deer camp with friends and family. The Dove opener was another important event for Hudd and those he hunted with and he and the others could usually be found somewhere up in Butte Valley on opening day. He enjoyed gardening and loved to grow tomatoes and really tall sunflowers.
His passion for nature was matched by his commitment to his community. Over the years, he was involved with the VFW, American Legion, Little League, Babe Ruth, Scouting, Cougar Power, and the Weed Historic Lumber Town Museum. He was a volunteer Firefighter for the Weed Fire Department for 27 years. He was very proud of his role in helping to restore a 1923 American LaFrance fire engine along with other members of the community. He especially enjoyed driving it in parades and sitting and talking with people about it at car shows. In recognition of his contributions to the City of Weed, he was honored as Citizen of the Year in 2002.
Hudd was known for his kindness, generosity, and genuine spirit. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, kindness and patience that will be cherished by those who knew him. He is survived by his son William and wife Paula; Hud and wife Katie; Grandchildren, Courtney, Josh, Tanna, Jacoby, Dorian, Ethan, Shan, Brandon, Matthew, Mason, Lily and Jaxson and 13 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Harry and Virginia; stepfather Avery; sister Arlene; wife Carolyn; sons Butch and Beaver; and grandson Casey.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Mt. Shasta Memorial Chapel, located at 830 Lassen Lane in Mt. Shasta, California.
Hudd’s family wishes to thank Ellen, Laura and the Mercy Hospice team for their support as he prepared to make his transition to the next life. If you are inclined to do something in Hudd’s memory, take a person on an outdoor adventure or volunteer to help somewhere in your community. These simple acts will leave an imprint on others and in some small way, make the world a better place.
sourced – Mt Shasta Chapel
One Comment
My Dad’s name was Jay Hayes. “Hud” Oats and him were very good friends back in the 1950s. “HUD” (Huddleston), Dad and I went fishing into the Park’s lakes in about 1957 or 1958, and caught more trout than we probably should have. Huddleston let me shoot his M-1 Carbine, the first High-powered rifle I ever shot. I wished I’d thought could have caught up with Huddleston before he passed. R.I.P. HUD!