Albert Jean Yates

Albert Jean 'Gene' Yates, 89, of Elkville, passed away at 7:27 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2014 at the St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro.

Gene was a successful farmer and owned and operated Yates Purina Farm Store for 50 years. He was a member of the Elkville Christian Church and the Jackson County Farm Bureau. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy serving in World War II.

He was born May 26, 1925 in rural Cobden, Ill. the son of Frank and Mae (Highland) Yates. He was the sixth of nine children.

Gene married Evelyn A. Burroughs on Feb. 14, 1947 at Elkville, Ill. and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Elkville, six children- Carla Bigham of Elkville, Allen Yates and wife Brenda of Elkville, Alice McConnell of Nalcrest, Fla., Mark Yates and wife Linda of Elkville, Warren Yates and wife Kathy of Elkville and Elaine Green of St. Charles, Ill., 14 grandchildren- Mark and Crystal Lipe, Greg and Amber Lipe, Emily Yates, Matthew Yates, Melissa and Paul Hartsock, Brea and Rob Heikowsky, Dana Yates, Todd and Brandi Yates, Jennifer Yates, Emma Yates, Ellie Yates, Latasha Yates, Jalen Green and Christian Kistner, seven great grandchildren- Illyana Lipe, Gavin and Guinevere Lipe, Payton and Layla Yates, Riley Bolton and Cody Markham, sister- Martha Dale of Pacific, Mo., two brothers - Frank Yates and wife Sue of Carbondale and Jesse Yates and wife Jane of Buncombe, Ill., many nieces and nephews. Gene will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers- Jack, Joe and John Yates, two sisters- Aileene Casper and Margaret Kelly.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, 2014 at the Elkville Christian Church with Bro. Gary Pruitt and Bro. Jerry Aken officiating.

Friends may call from 12 p.m. until time of service at the church on Monday.

Burial will be in the Elkville Cemetery at Elkville.

Searby Funeral Home of Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.