Doyle Yates

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Monette

Doyle Yates, 69, of Monette, died Friday, May 11, 2007, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro after suffering a stroke on April 19.

Born in Monette on July 19, 1937, he had lived there all his life except the years he served in the United States Air Force following his graduation from Monette High School in 1954. He served in the Air Force until an injury resulted in him retiring with a medical discharge.

After returning to Monette, he took a job at Ball-Hout Implement (later Baker Implement) and worked there for almost 40 years as the parts manager. For over 10 years, he also farmed 80 acres of land while working sometimes more than 70 hours a week at his day job. In 2002 he began working as an assistant at Kiech-Shauver-Miller Gin in Monette, where he worked happily until the day of his illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fonnie and Ethel Yates; a brother, Dexter "Buddy" Yates; two sisters, Geraldine Yates and Vonna Lou Hogan; and a wife, Jessie Yates.

He leaves many family members that will dearly miss his humor and unique personality. Survivors include his wife, Mary Yates of the home; two daughters, Tracey Yates Thompson of Paragould and Rhonda Yates of North Little Rock; a son, Todd Yates of North Little Rock; five stepsons, Tony Elumbaugh and Steve Elumbaugh, both of Gaffney, S.C.; Shann McElroy and Rickey McElroy, both of Monette; and Ronnie McElroy of Knoxville, Tenn.; and two grandsons, Greydon Williams and Leo Thompson, both of Paragould; a sister, Doris Berry of Manila; and a brother, Gale Yates of Caraway.

The family received visitors from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at Gregg Funeral Home in Monette. A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Monette Cemetery, with Rev. Jerry Reed officiating. Pallbearers were James Greer, Dave Pierce, Edward Young, Allen Dewitt, David Watkins and Kevin Wimberly. Employees of Kiech-Shauver-Miller Gin will served as honorary pallbearers.

Those wishing to leave lasting memorials are asked to consider the Buffalo Island Central Scholarship Fund or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.