Robert Calvin Yates, aged 91, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family, exactly as he wished, on June 30, 2015. Robert was born on May 25, 1924, the ninth of ten children living on a family farm in Rinard, Illinois. As a young man he served honorably in the Navy during World War II. At a VJ dance he met his future bride and love of his life Grace Farris, of Cisne, Illinois. Robert and Grace married in 1946. Bob made a living in oil and gas, then, at age 40, he co-founded Stapp and Yates Oil Tool Company. Bob was a hard worker, who encouraged and expected the same in others. He was a loving husband, a wonderful father, and an inspiring grandfather. He and Grace had three daughters, eight grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Robert was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Grace, six brothers, and two sisters. He is survived by daughter Nancy and her husband Henry Luster, daughter Suzette Huggins, daughter Annette Coxon, sister Mary Grace Potts, sister-in-law Mary Elizabeth Yates, and all his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, including two loyal dogs, Oscar and Felix.
