Kendrick Wayne Yates

Ken graduated from Memorial High School in 1964. Shortly after, he proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army, stationed in Korea and at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, from 1966 to 1968.

Following his military service, Ken continued his education and was part of the first graduating class of the University of Southern Indiana, earning his degree in 1972.

Ken dedicated his life to education. He began his career teaching at Chandler Elementary School, later serving as assistant principal at both Castle Elementary and Boonville Junior High. In 1996, he was named principal of Elberfeld Elementary School until his retirement in 2006. He loved teaching his students and often said that if given the chance, he "would do it all over again without hesitation."

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Maggie Schoening.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Barb Yates; daughter, Amy (Joe) Gute; granddaughters, Kayla and Kate Schoening, and son-in-law, Heath Schoening. He is also survived by his sister, Janice Yates.

A special thanks to Dr. Michael Titzer and the staff at Ascension Cancer Center.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday, April 6, 2026 at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, 5333 State Road 261. A Memorial Service will follow at 6:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at the funeral home. His final resting place will be in St. John Cemetery, Newburgh, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.

Condolences may be made online at

www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com