James Porter Yates

James Porter Yates, 73, of Benton; died at 1:30 a.m. Thursday, May 19, 2011 at the Herrin Hospital.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2011 in the North Benton Baptist Church FTC Center with Bill Woodall officiating. Per the family's wishes Mr. Yates will be cremated and burial will take place at a later date in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in McLeansboro.
Mr. Yates was born on May 23, 1937 in Carmi, Illinois. He was raised by his step-father and mother Charles Biggerstaff, Sr. and Velva (Meredith) Biggerstaff.
He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean Conflict and was a horse jockey.
James is survived by his children: James Wesley Yates and Debbie Yates both of Benton, Regina Freeman of Gainesville, FL, Sandra Yates of McLeansboro, Pamela Essary of West Frankfort and Brian Yates of Carrier Mills; and eleven grandchildren, and his caregiver and niece Wanda Kandal of Benton.
Mr. Yates was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Fredrick L. Sanders and Charles Biggerstaff, Jr.; and three children: Mary Belva, Karen Sue Yates and Scotty Lee Yates.
To sign the online memorial guest book visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

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