Jerry Odell Yates

Jerry was born on September 6, 1950, to Odell Manning Yates and Dorothy Jean Clark Yates Fomby. He passed away the evening of November 21, 2025. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and several uncles and aunts. He is survived by two sisters, Bonnie Son and Nancy Son.

Mr. Yates was a devoted husband of 58 years to Linda Chalene (Ponder) Yates. They met at an indoor theater in New Boston, TX. Charlene had just turned the age of 15 the year of 1967, Jerry was 17. He followed her around from seat to seat, then made his way to sitting next to her. After the movie, he asked her for a date and she accepted. Jerry was her second date, and they married on October 4, 1969. In January of 1970, he was drafted into the U. S. Marine Corp, and after finishing school, Charlene joined him in Quantico Virginia. Jerry was a proud Marine who had a long-standing friendship with best friend and fellow Marine, William Jackson. They stayed in touch until the time of Jerry's death. After his time in the service, Jerry worked on automotive engines at John Loes' shop in New Boston and then after 28 years, retired from Red River Army Depot.

Jerry loved riding horses, hunting, and fishing with his wife, kids, and grandkids. He enjoyed writing country songs and singing. He liked staying home a lot watching tv too, and yes, He Loved God!!! When Charlene asked questions about something in the Bible, he could quote the Bible and tell her the chapter and verse to any question, every time.

Together Jerry and Charlene have six children; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Melissa Louanne Yates and Marty Cunningham, Pamela Louanne Yates Anderson and Shannon Anderson; one son and daughter-in-law, Derrick Bryan Yates and Brandy Donaldson.

22 grandchildren; Steven Bollman and his wife, Lindsay Bogovich, Chris Bollman and his wife, Nina Maria, Kita Bollman Mooneyham, Josh Moore, Stacey Clark, Brandon Clark, Sarah Bush Sladovnik, Steven Sladovnik, Cameron Bush, Tara Sargent, Belle Bush, Dallas Rekow, Houston Rekow, Austin Rekow, Jessica Cox, Sylar Anderson, Synneva Anderson, Tatum Yates Hasley, Chance Russell, Maicie Russell, and Caden Russell.

18 great-grandchildren; Kayden, Korbin, Dean, Marlowe, Jolene, Whitley, Halen, Conlee, Jacob, Jordan, Michael, Ryder, Adalyn, Dayton, Kortney, Matthew, Peanut (Steven), and Tyler.

Jerry will be missed.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Bates-Rolf Funeral Home – New Boston, Texas under the direction of Bates-Rolf Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 28, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, at Bates-Rolf Funeral Home.