Harold "Hal" Yates

July 5, 1926 — December 5, 2016

Goreville- Harold “Hal” Yates, 90, of Goreville, passed away at 5:25 AM, Monday, December 5, 2016 at Reflections Assisted Living in Carterville. Hal was born on July 5, 1926 in Clinton, IL to Ralph and Ellen Marie (Moberly) Yates. He married Shirley Emery on March 1, 1953 in Peoria, IL. She survives of Goreville. He fought bravely during WWII as an airplane mechanic for the United States Army. After WWII he transferred to the United States Air Force and was a pilot during the Korean Conflict. Once honorably discharged, he returned home and began a long career as a pilot for American Airlines. After his retirement he also flew privately. He was a member of Lake of Egypt Christian Church and a 62 year member of the Plainfield Masonic Lodge. His passion was flying and he passed that on to his grandsons. In his spare time he enjoyed boating, riding his Harley Davidson, and travelling to various destinations with Shirley in their RV. He also spent many weekends camping with his grandchildren and going to Go-Kart events. He will be dearly missed by all those that knew and loved him. Survivors include- Wife- Shirley Yates of Goreville Son- Gregory Yates and wife Caron of Murrayville, IL Daughter- Leah Ann Neff and husband Nicholas of Rocklin, CA 7 Grandchildren- Tiffany Yates of Marietta, GA Brett Yates and wife Christina of Springfield, IL Clayton Yates and wife Jenna of Springfield, IL Derek Neff of Reno, NV Shanell Yates of Plainfield, IL Janeal Yates of Plainfield, IL Bryce Yates of Plainfield, IL 2 Great Grandchildren- Easton Yates and Dean Yates of Springfield Sister- Susan Kinder of Clinton, IL Several nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, son- Kirk Yates, brother- Richard Yates and infant sister- Mavis Yates. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 16, 2016 at Lake of Egypt Christian Church. Pastor Leroy Waggoner will officiate. A visitation will be from 1:00 PM until time of service, Friday, December 16, 2016 at Lake of Egypt Christian Church. Memorial services were arranged through Blue Funeral Home in Goreville. Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Reflections of Carterville or Lake of Egypt Christian Church and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home in Goreville. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit bluefuneralhome.com

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Friday, December 16, 2016

Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)

Lake of Egypt Christian Church

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Harold "Hal" Yates

July 5, 1926 — December 5, 2016

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