Gerald Lee Yates, son of the late Aaron Yates and Alma Chloe Turnbough Yates was born on November 29, 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri and departed this life on April 27, 2024 at his residence in Dexter, Missouri at the age of 79.

Mr. Yates had retired out of the United States Army after twenty-four years of service. He was a member of the Word of Faith Church in Bernie, and had worked for Battles Communications in Dexter. He enjoyed working in his flower gardens, any odd jobs especially wood working, he never met a stranger and enjoyed conversations with everyone he met. He was a wonderful father, and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On August 17, 1968 he was united in marriage to Charlotte Ann Gromer in Overland, Missouri. Mrs. Yates preceded him in death on December 14, 2010.

He is survived by two daughters, Terri Pettypool and husband Jim of Bernie, Missouri, and Connie Allen and husband Derrick of Dexter, Missouri; by three grandchildren, Cameron Yates and fiancé Mercedes Dean, Kelci Meekie and husband Desmond, and Cora Allen; and by six great-grandchildren, Camden Meekie, Asher Meekie, Annslee Meekie, Rowan Yates, Lakeland Yates, and Skylah Yates.

Other than by his wife and parents he was preceded in death by four brothers, Leonard Yates, Tom Yates, Gene Yates and Robert Yates.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie, Missouri. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Mathis Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dale Hartle officiating. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri with full military honors.