Tolbert Yater III

1939 - 2024

Tolbert Yater, III

July 26, 1939 - November 14, 2024

Fort Worth, Texas - Graveside services for Tolbert Fanning Yater, III, 85, of Fort Worth, Texas, will be conducted at 3:00 P.M., Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Rosehill Cemetery with Pastor Wade Killough officiating.

Mr. Yater, always known as Tommy, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024 in Fort Worth. He was born in Cleburne on July 26, 1939 to Dr. Tolbert Fanning Yater, Jr. and Lola Ray Yater. He married Linda Trent Leslie on June 23, 1962 in Abilene, Texas.

Tommy attended Cleburne High School and then attended Texas Christian University where he joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and met his wife Linda. After 2 ½ years at TCU, Tommy transferred to The University of Miami in Florida. There he earned a BBA degree graduating in 1962. While at Miami, Tommy also graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical Institute where he was awarded his private pilot's license, multi-engine rating as well as his instrument flight rating.

After graduating, Mr. Yater joined the U.S. Air Force and completed Officers Training School. Mr. Yater served his country proudly as a Captain during the Vietnam War. He was the officer in charge of all air traffic control at the Saigon airport and was awarded The Bronze Star Medal. After his military service, Mr. Yater owned and operated travel agencies with offices in Arlington, Dallas and Fort Worth. After selling his travel agencies he invested in the historic Stockyards Hotel in Fort Worth and along with his partner Marshall Young of Cleburne completely restored the 1907 building. Mr. Yater also purchased and restored World War 1 Stearman airplanes.

Tommy loved nothing more than being in motion. After he retired from business he continued his love of flying and also enjoyed owning Harley Davidson motorcycles. He traveled through most of the U.S. with his friend John Ed King. Still "on the move", Tommy and Linda purchased a small yacht and traveled throughout the Bahamas. He also had a notable collection of Lionel trains.

Mr. Yater was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his beloved wife of 62 years, Linda Yater of Fort Worth; sons, Lee Scott Yater and wife Julie of Granbury and Todd Fannin Yater and wife, Traci of Burleson; grandchildren, Leea Diane Yater and Grace Elise Yater; sister, Beverly Yater Joslin and husband Gene of North Richland Hills; several other family members and many friends.