Mark Yates

MARK A. YATES

Mark A. Yates, age 59, of Luray, MO, passed away Friday, February 2, 2018 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.

Mark was born November 24, 1958 in Graham Hospital, Keokuk, the son of Billy N. and Melba Courtney Yates. On September 19, 2013, he was united in marriage to Diana Kisor.

Survivors include his wife, Diana, of the home; his mother, Melba Yates of Luray; two sons, Kyle (Misti) Yates of Villisca, IA, and Kody (Christine) Yates of Hazelwood, MO; two daughters, Kala (Fritz) Gebhard of St. Louis, MO and Janna Yates of St. Louis, MO; five grandchildren: Delaney and Taylor Yates and Calvin, Chase and Lorelei Gebhard; brother and sisters: Teresa (Herb) Wilson, of Kahoka, Chris

(Terri Jo) Yates of Kahoka, Nancy (Rick) Burkhart of LaGrange, Bobbie Jean (Matthew) Hilgrenbrinck of Ursa, IL and Billie (Rick) Morrow of Kahoka; aunts and uncles: Vernon Hopp of Luray, Kieth (Doris) Courtney of Wayland, Edwin (Linda) Courtney of FL, Danny (Lina) James of Williamstown, David (Cathy) James of Kahoka, Jim Snider of Spokane Valley, WA, Gene (Linda) Yates and Pete (Janice) Yates, all of Revere and Sandra (Donnie) Wagers of Lake Ozark, MO; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his father on July 4, 2017 and daughter-in-law, Ginger, in 2006.

Mark was the true family man, and his kids were the pride and joy of his life. He treasured every moment with them, his grandkids, siblings and extended family. Mark lived a happy and simple life with his wife, who was his true love. They moved to rural Luray where he loved being in the country caring for his property and spending time in his shop. He was blessed with wonderful neighbors and friends. You could always count on him to lend a hand, crack a joke or for a good conversation.

He was always known as Pooh Bear to his mom. Since his father’s death in July, Mark cherished the quality time he spent with her - drinking coffee and watching Gunsmoke.

Mark was an outdoorsman at heart. He loved any opportunity to hunt and fish with the boys and looked forward to deer season. To his family, he was grill master extraordinaire. Last but not least, he cared deeply for his dog, Grace, who always brought a smile to his face.

He was a graduate of Clark Co. R-1 High School in the Class of 1977. Mark was a dedicated and loyal employee at Griffin Wheel for 36 years until his retirement in 2013. He worked hard all of his life to care for his family.

Mark will be deeply missed and will forever live in our hearts.

Memorial services were held Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka. Recorded music selections were: "The Dance" and "Landslide".

Burial followed in Combs Cemetery at Luray.

Friends called at Wilson Funeral Home after 9 a.m. Monday with family receiving friends Monday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to Combs Cemetery or the Clark Co. Ambulance Dist.

On-line condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralservice.com.

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Friends may call at Wilson Funeral Home after 9 a.m. Monday with family receiving friends from 5-8 p.m.