Bob Yates

Services are scheduled at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 24, at West Main Baptist Church for Bobby James Yates of Artesia, New Mexico.

Mr. Yates, 84, died Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at Heartland Nursing Center in Artesia.

Doug Neel will officiate at the services with burial at Twin Oaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Wesley Neel, Rocky Neel, Harley Jorgensen, Michael Jorgensen, Gene Yates, and Luis Zubia. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Yates, Chris Onsurez, Ignacio Silva, and Richard Clayton.

Visitation will be at Terpening Son Mortuary Friday beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Bob was born June 18, 1929 in Kosse, Texas the son of James Otis Yates and Faye ONeal Yates.

He served his country in the Unites States Navy on the USS Topeka during the Korean Conflict.

On September 2, 1950 he was married to Wanda Areta Parks in Taos, N.M. They came to Artesia in 1956 from Roswell, N.M. She preceded him in death July 4, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his parents and brothers Bill and Jim Yates.

Bob was an OwnerOperator of Payne Packing. He was a member of Centre Ave. Baptist Church, and the Artesia Elks Lodge. Bob was an Eddy County youth supporter for many years and an avid outdoorsman including hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his son Otis Yates and wife Edana of Artesia grandchildren Chloe, Tessa, and Macy all of Artesia sisters Nona Faye DeForest of Louisianna, Martha Danley of Minnesota, Clydean Smith of Roswell, Patsy Jean Simon of Missouri, Kathy Jo Boyer of Tennessee, and Jackie Durio of Texas brother Jerry Yates and wife Judy of Artesia and numerous nieces and nephews.