Raymond K. Yeates, Sr.

Raymond K. Yeates Sr., 88, of Rogers, Ark. died peacefully Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, in Rogers. Born March 1, 1925, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Ray was a man who would not settle for the harshness of the hand he was dealt, so he dealt his own. First, he beat the limits of life on the farm during the Depression by earning his high school diploma. He had to sweep out the schoolhouse floor to earn the privilege, as his parents could not afford education. He exaggerated his age in order to join the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving as a navigator. He learned a trade as a master electrician, and then fate sent him to a dance in Chicago where he met the lovely Donna (Castaldo), leading to a 62-year marriage, six children, 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Ray could build anything, and his greatest construction project was a loving family. Strong, unwavering love is a legacy for his children, Lynne McChristian (Jim), Gail Cotterman (Roy), Craig Yeates (Anne), Raymond Yeates Jr., Rita Pittman, and JoEllyn Martin (Rob). A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. today, at Stockdale-Moody Funeral Chapel in Rogers with the Rev. Brian Timmons officiating. Visitation will be from 3 until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Circle of Life, 1201 NE Legacy Parkway Bentonville, AR 72712. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Online condolences may be made at stockdalefuneral.com.