Thomas Jefferson Yates Jr. departed his earthly life and began his eternal life on Saturday, February 6, 2010. He was born December 27, 1926 in Vaiden, Mississippi to the late Thomas J. Yates Sr. and Lillie Bell Gilmore Yates Horton.
Thomas came to know Christ at an early age and joined Vaiden Friendship Baptist Church of Vaiden, Mississippi. He was united in marriage to Myrtle Lee Ellis on May 13, 1947 in Vaiden, MS. To this union two children were born; One daughter, Vanessa Lynn (Yates) McGlothen and one son, Patrick Marcus Yates.
Thomas and Myrtle later moved to Freeport, IL and joined the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend C. C. Yates. Thomas was a vital contributing member of the planning, development and construction of the current worship center and educational facility of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Thomas actively participated for many years in the Brotherhood and Deacon Ministry; Male Chorus; Senior Choir and Male Quintet. He also served as Trustee and Chairman of Finance through the course of his membership. In 2001 Thomas was appointed the honor of Deacon Emeritus for his long and dedicated service to the ministry.
Thomas was known by many a man of few words but many talents and abilities. Thomas enjoyed fishing with family and friends; both watching and coaching baseball; gardening, as well as working on his boat. He immersed himself in many side projects to additionally occupy his time. These side projects became known to the family as “tinkering”. Thomas was always known as a punctual man. He did not like to be late. He was no frills and very matter of fact. He was a man that shared his mind and willing to lead by example. He was dependable, the kind of man that gave his word and always followed through.
Thomas was a military man serving his country in the United States Army for several years. He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife of fifty-eight years. Thomas was a true example of a Christian man who loved God and his church. One of the things that brought him great joy was his family, especially his grandson Jordan Xavier Yates and granddaughter Lelah Pearl Yates.
Thomas was employed at Gunite Foundry Kelsey Hayes Division in Rockford, Il until retirement. After retirement, he worked a short time for the Freeport School District #145 Freeport, Il.
He leaves to cherish with fond and joyful memories, one daughter, Vanessa Lynn (Gregory) McGlothen of Glendale, AZ and one son, Patrick Marcus (Robbie) Yates of Madison, WI, two grandchildren, Jordan Xavier and Lelah Pearl Yates of Madison, WI., one brother, Leroy (Odessa) Yates of Freeport, IL and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents (Thomas Yates Sr. & Lillie Bell Horton), his wife of 58 years (Myrtle Lee Yates), three sisters Marva Ruth Adams, Annie Louise Tipton, Irma Gladys Dunn and three brothers, Samuel F. Yates, Walter L. Yates and Charles A. Yates.
The home going celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will begin Friday at 9:30 a.m. and continue until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established at Fifth Third Bank in Freeport, IL. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign his online guestbook and to share memories.