William Kenneth "Rowdy" Yeats

William Kenneth "Rowdy" Yeats
September 6, 1945 - October 24, 2025

Williams Kenneth Yeats, affectionately known to most as "Rowdy," passed peacefully from this life on October 24, 2025, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was born on September 6, 1945, in Monroe, Louisiana, and lived a life that overflowed with laughter, music, hard work, and unwavering faith.

Bro. Yeats was a man of many talents and even greater heart. He was a minister, ironworker, musician, and farmer - but above all, he was a man after God's own heart. He could pick up nearly any instrument and make it sing, and his deep, booming laugh was just as memorable as the stories and wisdom he shared. Known for his hilarious one-liners and quick wit, Bro. Yeats had a special way of lighting up every room he entered. Those who knew him will tell you: there is no one who met Bro. Yeats who doesn't have a story to tell.

He loved and devoted his life to his wife and to instilling a strong work ethic and a deep love for God into his sons. His faith truly could move mountains, and his ministry touched lives all across the United States. He and his family pastored churches in Jena, Louisiana; Fort Scott, Kansas; Jigger, Louisiana, and Lincoln, Nebraska. Whether in a pulpit, on a job site, or sitting at the end of a garden row, Bro. Yeats lived to point others toward something eternal. His words, his humor, and his faith live on - not only through his three sons, but through everyone blessed enough to have known him.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, L.J. and Hazel Yeats of Monroe, Louisiana, and his beloved sister-in-law, Janelle Ruth Yeats (Michael) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grandson, Dustin DeMoss of Monroe, Louisiana.

Bro. Yeats is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Martha (Hawthorne) Yeats, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and their three sons: Kenneth Anthony Yeats (Jamie) of Lafayette, Louisiana; William "Bill" Yeats (Windy) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Charles Yeats (Sam) of Little Rock, Arkansas. He is also survived by his brother, Robert "Mike" Yeats of Hickory Flat, Mississippi; and sister, Olivia "Libby" Endsley (Ralph) of Monroe, Louisiana.

His legacy continues through his twelve grandchildren - Vanessa Jackson (John), Clinton Yeats, and Lincoln and Londyn Saucier; Summer Galloway (Drew), Seth Yeats (Autumn), and Spencer Yeats; and Victoria Albritton (Caleb), Logan Yeats (Sunny), Daniel DeMoss, Samuel DeMoss, and Dallas DeMoss (Brooklyn) - as well as eleven great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and countless extended family members and dear friends who loved him deeply.

Funeral services will take place on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Winnsboro United Pentecostal Church, located at 2510 Loop Road in Winnsboro, Louisiana with Rev. Bill Yeats, Rev. Floyd Hawthorne, Rev. Anthony Yeats and Rev. Randal Walton officiating. Interment will follow at Providence Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Dennard First National Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Logan Yeats, Seth Yeats, Spencer Yeats, John Jackson, Lincoln Saucier, Caleb Albritton, and Aidan Howell.

Bro. Yeats lived a life full of laughter, love, and unshakable faith. His hands were strong, his words full of grace, and his heart larger - than - life. Though his voice is quiet now, the song of his life will continue to echo in the lives of those he touched.