Philip W Yates

Patient, caring, and selfless, he will be remembered as a committed man of God. He had a beautiful voice and a generous spirit that left a lasting imprint on those around him. He will be greatly missed.

Phil was born June 14, 1946 in Evansville, IN to Reva Estelle (Brown) Yates and the late Marion Wilson Yates.

A 1964 graduate of F. J. Reitz High School, he attended Vincennes University before joining the United States Air Force. A machinist by trade, he had been employed by Kent/Ball Plastics and Evana Automation in Evansville, and the Babcock and Wilcox in Mt. Vernon, IN. An appreciation of things old and mechanical led to an obsession with vintage motorcycles. He was an avid motorcycle rider and memorabilia collector. Phil was an officer and a founding member of the Lincoln Heritage Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America.

Phil was a member of First Baptist Church where he sang in the choir, taught children and adults, and had previously served as Interim Director of Music. He had also served as music director for St. Paul’s UCC, German Township, and Forest Hills Baptist Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Ann Bilyeu Yates. Also surviving are his mother, Reva of Evansville, father-in-law Harold Herron of Evansville, brother Keith (Cindy) of Calhoun, KY, daughter Angel (Brian) Bush of Newburgh, IN, son David (Susan) of St. Louis, MO, and grandchildren Alex, Gabrielle and Elizabeth. His family was the core of his life.

Funeral Services will be held at 12 pm, Saturday, January 31, 2015 at First Baptist Church, 320 Cherry St., Evansville with Reverend Emily Farmer Slade and Pastor Steve Claspell officiating. Private Burial will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Evansville.

Friends may call from 9 am until time of service at 12 pm, Saturday at First Baptist Church.

Boone Funeral Home East Chapel-A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Ave., Evansville will be handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church for the Dorothy Rapp Music Scholarship or General Fund.

Alexander Memorial Park Buria Location: Garden Of Christus, Lot 121D, Space 4