John Yates, Jr. Obituary (1951

Putnam: John William Yates, Jr, 69, of Lake Thunderbird, Putnam, passed away Sunday February 16, 2020, 6:35 am at his home. Cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of his life will be held in West Virginia this summer. Memorials may be directed to West Virginia University Mountaineer Athletic Club fund or donations can be directed to Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, 416 Edward St. Henry, IL 61537 for the Celebration of Life which will be held in June, 2020. John was born January 23, 1951 in South Charleston, WV to John William and Phyllis (Drake) Yates, Sr. Surviving are his children, Kimberley (Stephen) DeTombe, of Taylor Ridge, Cassandra Yates, of Johnsburg, and Bryan (Laura) Yates, of Elmhurst, five grandchildren, Rheise, Troy, Eden, Ella, and Parker. Also surviving are four sisters, Beverly (Donald) Stamper, of East Bank WV, Miriam (Rick) Thornton, of Charleston, WV, Sally Yates of Cross Lanes, WV. and Tammy Watson of Ripley, WV. John retired from Georgia Pacific after 30 years of service. He was an accomplished self-taught guitar player who loved to sing and entertain family members and friends with hours of beautiful music. He was also an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, with experiences that were the genesis of many a great tale! John was a master at family storytelling, with a quick wit who could write so prolifically, one thought they were there. An opinionated thinker who was well-read, and ready to speak and debate any subject. His personality was magnetic, with an infectious laugh. His family has lost a giant of a man...fly high John.