Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Ivan Yates
Jun 28th, 1932 - Jan 7th, 2014Ivan Dale Yates, age 81, of Flora, IL passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN.
Ivan was born June 28, 1932 in Rinard, IL to Percy Glenn and Beulah (Gloyd) Yates. He married Velma “Sue” (Birkes) Yates on May 24, 1951 at the Baptist Church in Lawrenceville and they shared 62 years of marriage. Ivan worked 32 years for the City of Flora, last serving as chief operator for the wastewater treatment facility. He was a U.S. Army veteran and was an active member of Flora American Legion Post #14, acting as commander for 3 years and currently as secretary/treasurer. Ivan also served the community for almost 20 years as part of the Flora Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed camping, bowling, walking his dog “Ali”, and spending time with the grandkids and attending their ballgames.
He is survived by his wife: Sue Yates of Flora; daughter: Lana Yates Forsythe of Decatur; son: Bradley (Schiela) Yates of Flora; brother: Harlan (Wilma) Yates of Fairfield; 6 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and numerous step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter (Marsha Renee Yates), his father-in-law and mother-in-law (Floyd and Cora Birkes), and his beloved Yorkie “Ali”.
A funeral service for Ivan Yates will be held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home with visitation from 4-5 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be privately held in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora. Memorial donations in Ivan’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be received at the funeral home.