Thomas Lee Yates

Thomas Lee Yates, 73, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital. He was born on August 10, 1952, to Jesse and Jane Yates of Mount Pleasant. Thomas lived a life centered on family, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose quiet strength and generous heart touched everyone who knew him.

Thomas was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Ramona Sue Yates (Stadelbacher), with whom he shared many years of love and cherished memories, his father, Jesse Lee Yates, his mother Jane Ellen Yates, his father-in-law Robert Leon Stadelbacher, and Mother-in law Sabina Lou Stadelbacher. 

He is survived by his two sons, Thomas Lee Yates II (Perryville Mo) and Robert Andrew Yates (Cobden); he also leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren, Thomas-Michael Yates (Alyssa) of Perryville, Missouri, Abigail-Whitney Nations (Cole) of Perryville, MO, Bryan-Tyler Yates (Nikki) of Poplar Bluff, MO, Jonathan-Jesse Yates (Hannah) of Perryville, MO, Mayla Yates of Anna, Autumn Maness (Gage Gembala) of Perryville, MO, Addison Yates of Perryville, MO, and Eathan Yates of Perryville, MO. Thomas was also blessed with ten cherished great-grandchildren: Harlee-Lynne Nations, Eleanor-Mae Nations, Matthew Yates, Jessie-Leigh Nations, Madalyn Yates, Zeppelin Yates, Grayson Gembala, Barrett-Michael Nations, Ozzy Yates, and Carter Yates. He is also survived by his brothers, Dennis Yates and Ronald Yates, both of Mount Pleasant.

Thomas worked for Olin for many years, after his time there he spent countless hours enjoying the simple pleasures of life, especially fishing, spending time outdoors, and making memories with his family. Whether casting a line into a quiet lake or sitting outside enjoying nature, he found peace in the outdoors. His greatest joy, however, came from spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Thomas will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his hardworking spirit, his kindness, and the many lessons he passed down through generations.

Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Services are pending and will be announced in the coming days.