Jack Gordon Yates Jr.

Jack Gordon Yates Jr., 77, of Cobden, died Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, at his home. 

He was born on Aug. 3, 1944, in Carbondale, the son of Jack G. Sr. and Ruby B. Brasel Yates. 

He married Marsha Hartline on April 17, 1990, in Billings, Mont.

Mr. Yates is survived by his wife, Marsha Yates of Cobden; a brother, Charles F. (Gayle) Yates of Cobden; nieces and nephews Chuck Yates, Christina Lynn Dewitt, Rebecca Hale, Roxanna Myers and Dean Hale; great-nieces and nephews Ryan, Makayla and Noah Dewitt, Ethan and Dalton Myers, Dustin and DaCota Knop, Zack, Nicole and Shayne Hale; many other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and by a sister, Jackie Hale.

Mr. Yates served in the U.S. Army as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, specializing in parachute assault operations, and also completed the elite Green Beret training course of the Army. He served from 1967 to 1970 with three tours during Vietnam, attaining rank as captain. He was awarded three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and numerous other honors. 

He was a life member of the Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 of the VFW and  Union Masonic Lodge No. 672 in Lick Creek. 

After returning from service, Mr. Yates worked with his brother on the family farm. 

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden, with Pastor Doug Bridgeman officiating. Interment was in Kelly Cemetery. 

Graveside military rites were conducted by Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 of the VFW and the Illinois Army National Guard military honors team of Marion. 

Masonic rites were conducted at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, at the funeral home.

Memorials can be made to Kelly Cemetery or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden was in charge of arrangements.