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Feb 2nd, 1947 - Mar 17th, 2024Memorial Ceremony: 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora
Interment: Bunker Cemetery, Rinard
Memorial Visitation: 12 noon until 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the funeral home
David Royce Yates, 77, of Salem, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 1:45 a.m. at Helia Healthcare of Salem. A memorial ceremony will be held at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, with interment to follow at Bunker Cemetery, Rinard, with military funeral honors presented. A memorial visitation will be held from 12 noon until 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at the funeral home.
David was born in Flora on February 2, 1947, to Roy and Opaline (Schroeder) Yates. He married Elizabeth C. Anschutz in Alton on August 5, 1989, and they were divorced in 2019. Survivors include his son, Royce Anschutz Yates (Kirsten Slininger) of Salem; and brother, Richard (Dianne) Yates; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He graduated Flora High School in 1965 and attended Vanderbilt University obtaining a Bachelor’s in English. While in college, he joined Army ROTC enlisting upon graduation and subsequently entering Officer’s Candidate School. He served stateside as an administrative Second Lieutenant during the Vietnam conflict earning a commendation and an honorable discharge.
David enjoyed playing and listening to music throughout his life. In grade school, he performed at many military services as a bugler, and was a member of school and community bands, playing the coronet. Owning and listening to classical music LPs was a favorite pastime—trading, finding, bartering, and collecting them was his obsession. Being raised by “greatest generation” parents, frugality was a lifestyle for David and getting deals on those LPs and the sound equipment was a point of pride for him. He particularly enjoyed baroque composers such as Bach and Handel.
David was a union plumber/pipefitter (Local #653)—often jokingly referred to as “working for the man.” He was a lifelong member of Flora Elks Lodge #1659, and a proud dues-paying member of Mensa. David loved and cared for his family, particularly his son, Royce. He enjoyed many friendships, loved to fish, and travelled at every opportunity. Even in the last year or so, he went to Kentucky Lake, Reelfoot Lake, New Orleans, and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
David’s favorite charities include the American Red Cross, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Doctors Without Borders, and memorial donations in his memory are suggested to any of these and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
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Richard and Family: We are sorry to hear of David’s passing. You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers today and in the days ahead. RIP David❣️
I remember David as one who would kid around with me and encourage me on trumpet playing. I knew him as a good guy who was a good influence for me. Thanks, David, for the trumpet times we had.
Dave was a good friend ;that I was lucky to know in High school and used to get into some situations with while having some good fun times around Flora. We used to go to teen center and have some good times with , Rick Milner, Archie Brown , Howard Horsington , Bill Staley , Jim McCarty, Bill McDonald, and lots of other, will be Missed and was lucky enough to be part of the family (Yates) for many years and visited at family reunions. This Buds for you and all our friends over the years,God bless you and be with you always. Your Friend Mick Winchester.
I loved my brother and felt his love for me.
David was a friend since junior high. Because our last names were close (W and Y) alphabetically, we often sat near one another in many of the classes we shared or in auditorium when seating was alphabetized. He was one of the nicest and smartest people I’ve ever known. I never heard him say a negative word about anyone. I appreciated his keen intellect, sense of humor and kindness. He will be missed.
Richard and Dianne, we are so sorry for our great loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and all your family.
I have had the privilege of being Dave's friend for 18 years. I spent many hours listening to stories of his life. He had a huge heart. Always greeted me with a smile, called me kid and wanted to know all that my family had been up to. He will be greatly missed.
R.I.P. to a fine friend & The best Chair in all bands he ever played in plus a fun neighbor, you will be missed by many.
I am so sorry for your loss. Zach really enjoyed time spent with him and his family. He asks about all of you often and truly misses helping out when asked. May all of you find peace and light during your time together.
Janice and I are so saddened and sorry that Dave passed away. He was a great guy who made all our lives better. The canoeing trips and music were highlights in our lives. Gary and I will be there for the service, but Janice won't be able to make it.
David was a wonderful classmate and all around good guy. We shared some memories and laughs at the last HS reunion. I am sorry for your loss.
Always remember fishing stories and know he will be missed. Sorry we didn’t live near to enjoy time with him thru the years Still recall memories of the numerous cousins getting together at the farm and the laughter with him and others growing up
It was such a pleasure to have known Dave for so long and be able to share so many adventures down through the years - canoe and fishing trips digging thru thousands of pawn shops, antique stores, record stores searching for that elusive something that we just hadn't found yet. Richard Dave and I traveled a good bit the last few years and I treasure those times. Dave, I miss you every day.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
