William Yates

William Sanford "Bill" Yates, Jr., age 86 of Seymour, Indiana, and the son of the late William Sanford Yates, Sr. and Alta (Masterson) Hendrickson, was born on August 30, 1939 in Argos, Indiana. For over 30 years, he was self-employed as a chicken sexor and resided in Lebanon, Indiana. In 1987, his family moved to Seymour, Indiana where he continued his work at Rose Acre Farms. Eventually, he became an employee of Rose Acre Farm for at least the next 20 years, where he served as the Assistant Manager of the Hatchery and also in maintenance.

Bill was a Freemason, a 50-year member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and was a former member of the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, and the American Legion. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, watching NASCAR on television, and spending time with his grandson, Kelan. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and loved to share stories of his time playing basketball, baseball, and track in high school. Bill was often a straight-shooter who always had a good joke to share, and would give the shirt off of his back if he could. Mr. Yates passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Indiana.

His life will be cherished by his children: Mike Yates and his wife, Cindy of Mishawaka, Indiana, Chandra Yates of Seymour, and Brent Yates and his partner, Nancy Shasteen of Seymour; his sisters: Barbara LaCost and her husband, Leroy of Decatur, Alabama, Kay Mehochko and her husband, Rich of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Jeannie Meyers and her husband, Joe of Silverdale, Pennsylvania, and Sheila Higgins and her husband, Todd of O'Fallon, Illinois; his grandchildren: Kelan Yates, Jeremy Yates, Angie Workman, Ashley Yates, Amanda Yates, and Brittany Yates; nine great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and his former wife of 48 years, Patricia Yates of Seymour whom he married on April 12, 1963.

Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents who raised him, Charles and Grace Yates; his father, William S. Yates, Sr.; his mother: Alta Hendrickson; his step-father, Jim Hendrickson; his sisters: Gloria Jean Huston and Rita Sue Hendrickson; and his daughter, Brooke Yates.

Per his wishes, cremation was chosen and a scattering of ashes ceremony will be held at a later date.

Friends are invited to leave condolence messages for the family at www.christensenfamilyfuneral.com.

Daniel and Betsy Christensen have been entrusted with the arrangements.