Richard J. Yates

Richard Julian Yates was born on 21 December 1924 in Pasadena, California the fourth child of William Franklin and Beulah Mackey Yates. He was a graduate of W. H. Adamson High School in Dallas and the University of Oklahoma. Richard majored in geology. Upon graduation from OU he worked as a petroleum geologist for 10 years.

Between high school and college he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for 3 ½ years. A salesman most of his working life, he retired from American Airlines in 1988, as a reservationist.

In 1974 he married Love Pearl Parker Rollins in the Manti Utah Temple. Richard is survived by seven children: Becki Didriksen, Betty South, Carrie Nicholas, Bari Murdock, Gayle Rollins, Joel Rollins, and Connie Rollins Mendoza. He has eleven grandchildren: Amy Austin, Alisen Wells, Abby Saunders, Chase South, Ryan South, Kellie Nicholas, Hannah Nicholas, March Murdock, Lane Murdock, Ian Murdock, Alex Murdock, Ava Rollins, and Charlie Rollins. He also had seven great grand children. Richard was preceded in death by his parents William Franklin Yates, Beulah Yates, and his siblings Betty Yates, William Franklin Yates, Jr., and Mackey Rucker Yates.

Being with family and friends brought Richard his greatest joys. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints he served in many capacities and enjoyed the challenges and satisfaction wherever he served. He was happiest when serving others.