John Yates

John "Jack" M. Yates, 68, of Springfield, died at 10:14 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, IA. Jack was born December 8, 1939 in Springfield, the son of Melvin and Denzil Salome Yates. He married Jean L. Thorne on September 4, 1983 in Rockton, IL. Preceding him in death were his parents and his brother, David Paul Yates. Jack was a kind and generous family man who put his family first, as well as his Sat dog. He loved spending time with his family and grandkids. He also enjoyed cruising in his Corvette, boating, and playing pool. Jack earned his B.A. from Milliken University and went on to work as an engineer with Fiat Allis in Springfield, Swenson Spreader in Lindenwood, Roadmaster Corp. in Olney, Hussman Corp. in St. Louis, MO, and was currently employed with the Illinois EPA. His family is very proud that they were able to facilitate fulfilling his wishes to donate his eyes. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Jean; his daughter Lora (husband, Kurt) Engelskirchen of Wentzville, MO; his step-son, Jeff (wife, Connie) Rogers, of Rochester; his step-daughter Shelly (husband, Jim) Todd, of Florence, SC; his granddaughter Sarah Engelskirchen; and four step-grandchildren, Travis Utterback, Evan Stevens, Colin Rogers, and Reagan Todd; his special companion Sat; also survived by an aunt and several cousins. Family will receive friends from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. The visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 700 E. Spruce St., Chatham, with Rev. John H. Nolan celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702.