Gary Yates

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Gary Tilman Yates, 84, passed away at 1:44pm on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Alton Memorial Hospital.  He was born on February 24, 1941, in Ridgely, Tennessee, the son of the late Theran and Dorothy (Law) Yates.  He married the former Janet Maloney and they later divorced.  Survivors include a daughter and son in law: Shelley and Jim West of Roxana, a step son and his wife: Zach and Nina Reed of Edwardsville, two grandchildren: Brendon West, Lane Gregory, a step grandson: Hayden,  three sisters: Sonjia (Don) Peacock of Godfrey, Julia (Kelly) Price of Dorsey, Pam Szwargulski of Alton, two brothers: Darrell (Evelyn) Yates of Bethalto, Lanny Yates of Edwardsville, three sisters in law: Modell Yates, Brenda Yates, Betty Yates, many nieces, nephews, and other extended and friends.

Gary was an operator through Local 520 and worked at RCS Construction in Rosewood Heights.  He owned and operated C & G Construction.  Gary always followed his passions.  He was great storyteller and had a wonderful sense of humor.  He should have been a comedian.  The party was always better when Gary was there.  He loved hosting fish fry’s and get togethers.  He loved horses, training quarter horses and putting on horse shows.   He then went on to open The Longhorn Western Shop in Bethalto and was involved with The Cowgirl Night Club in Meadowbrook.  He did all of this and still worked full time as an operator.  His passion for fishing led him to open a bait and tackle shop in East Alton.  He also loved shooting pool. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter: Amy Yates, three brothers: Johnny Yates, David Shelby Yates, Michael Yates, a brother in law: Larry Szwargulski, and a sister in law: Alice.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 10am until time of services at 11:30am on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. 

Memorials are suggested to the family of the charity of the donor’s choice.