Phillip Yates, Sr. passed away from this earthly life to his heavenly home on October 14, 2009, at the age of 81.
He was born in Barron County, Wisconsin on August 12, 1928, to Mary and Nuncio Yates. Phillip spent his growing up years on the family dairy farm in Cumberland, Wisconsin. He came to Texas in 1951, where he met and married his wife, Joan of fifty-five years.
Phillip worked at Texasgulf Sulphur Company in New Gulf, Texas and was transferred to the Fannett Plant in Fannett in 1958. He was later transferred to the Moss Bluff Plant in Liberty where he worked until his retirement. During his retirement years he enjoyed keeping up his yard and raising a garden where he proudly showed off and shared with his neighbors his abundant crop of vegetables.
He served as City Councilman for the City of Nome.
Phillip is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Phillip, Jr. and his wife Nita; brothers, Michael Yates, Harold Yates and Shirley, and Bobby Yates and his wife Judy of St. Paul, Minnesota; sisters, Lena Yates and Mary Ann Yates both of St. Paul, Minnesota.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Alford Yates and Edward Yates of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Jack Yates of Wharton, Texas; sisters, Phyllis Vohnoutka of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Theresa Farsblad of St. Paul, Minnesota.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Alford Brady, Dr. Timothy Colgan, Dr. Jose Lozano and Dr. Suresh Indupalli for the excellent care and concern that was given to my husband through his many years of illness. The family would also like to thank the staff of Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth for the care shown to him and to the volunteers that showed their concern for Phillip and his family.
His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2009, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Christian Vigil will be at 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2009, at Broussard’s.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes contributions to be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Building Maintenance Fund, P.O. Box 38, China, Texas 77613.
