William Thomas Yates, 89, of Warrensburg, MO passed away peacefully on September 2, 2021, at Ridge Crest Nursing Center.

He was born in Parkersburg, WV on January 21, 1932, son of the late Lawrence Bernard Yates and Goldie Schwartz Yates. William grew up in Belpre, OH. He has nine children, the late William Yates II (Tommy), and survived by Phyllis Yates, Sharon Yates, Sandra Cooper, Patricia Yates, Christy King, Douglas Yates, William Yates III, and Sarah Mangelson. William is also survived by his siblings Glen Yates, Marilyn June Hill, Gloria Dailey and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

William graduated from Belpre High School in 1949, soon after he joined the United States Airforce where he excelled and at age 18 was asked to serve as the youngest weather instructor they had. Staff Sergeant Yates served in the United States Air Force for four years.

After the Air Force he held a multitude of professional positions over the years including working for United Airlines, the United States Postal Service, and the VA Hospital-Radiology. These positions provided him the opportunity to live in many places and in different states.

William had many interests and hobbies including family history/genealogy, medical research, gardening and being self-sufficient. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He had a quick wit and loved sharing old stories with anyone who would lend an ear, he became known as "Wild Bill" by his nurses for his sense of humor.

A graveside service will be held Friday, September 10 at 3 PM at Clinton Memorial Gardens (Vansant Road) Cemetery, 1901 N. Vansant Rd, Clinton, MO. All Family and Friends are welcome to attend.