Billy Edward Yates

Graveside services for Billy Edward Yates, 84, Lawrence, KS, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Paola City Cemetery in Paola, KS. The service will be officiated by his son, Rev. Mark Yates, pastor of Bent Knee Cowboy Church in Bonner Springs, KS. Billy passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at his daughter’s home in Lawrence, KS, where he had resided for the past seven years.

Billy was born on August 22, 1940, in Kansas City, KS, the son of Leo E. and Ethyl (Foster) Yates.

He married Gladys James on October 4, 1958, in Kansas City, KS, and she preceded him in death on December 19, 2015.  He worked many years as the grounds Forman for the Kansas City, KS school district 500.  Later he became a maintenance worker for Sealright Co, INC.  He was the caregiver for his wife for many years. Billy loved the Lord and dedicated his life to Him in his adulthood. Since he and Gladys weren’t physically able to attend church, they faithfully watched two tv preachers every Sunday morning. He continued doing so until the very end.

Survivors include his daughter, Teresa (Lynn) Elliott, son, Mark (Joycelyn) Yates, 3 siblings Robert (Beverly) Yates, Lawrence (Linda) Yates & Barbara Howard, five grandchildren, Heather Bone, James (Kaitlyn) Yates, Amanda (Samuel) Bone, Nick (Amber) Moore, & Easton (Triston) Moore; and 3 great-grandchildren, Madison, Elaina, and Winry.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ronda Doherty, and granddaughter, baby Amber LeAnn Yates.