George Elmer Yates

George Elmer Yates, 91, of Clarksville died Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017 at National Health Care Center in Maryland Heights.

Funeral services were held at noon Monday at Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana. The Rev. Debbie Thornton officiated. Burial in Riverview Cemetery in Louisiana.

Visitation was from 11 a.m. until time of service at noon Monday at the funeral home.

George was born Feb. 19, 1926 in Paynesville, the son of Leslie and Emma Lou Iles Yates. He married Frances Winifred Florence of Troy. She preceded him in death in September 1990.

George is survived by a daughter, Cynthia Martin and husband, Freeman of Creve Coeur; a son, Michael Yates of Florissant; two granddaughters, Michele Nicole Yates, Florissant, and Stephanie Martin of Pittsburgh, Calif.; one sister, Mammie Wheeler of Annada; and a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Frances Winifred Yates in 1990, one daughter, Mary Alice Yates of St Peters, who died in 1995, two sisters, LaDoris Redd and Daisy Davis, two brothers, William “Bubble” Yates and Frank Yates.

George was a lifelong member of Bethel AME Church of Paynesville where he served as trustee and steward.

He had been employed as a foreman on the Bryant Mackey Farm since he was a young man.

George had been a member of the Clarksville Lions Club for years. He loved to garden and had received “Yard of the Month” awards numerous times from the Clarksville Garden Club.

Pallbearers were Scott Yates, Ronnie Redd, Gary Wheeler, Gene Miller, Chris Redd and Kenneth Warren.

Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, c/o Collier Funeral Homes, Inc. 117 Barnard Dr., Louisiana, MO 63353 or to the donor’s choice.