Obituary of Bill Yates

Billy “Bill” Edward Yates, 84-year-old resident of Doniphan, MO, departed this life Friday, September 18, 2020 at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, TN. He was born January 6, 1936 in Rolla, MO to the late William Fredrick and Mary Elizabeth Cannady Yates. On December 8, 1956, Bill married the love of his life, Norma Jean Collins, in Hernando, MS. They were married for 62 years. She preceded him in death on August 9, 2019. Bill was a barber in Doniphan for 40 years, where much of that time was spent operating a downtown shop along with Ed McCauley. After McCauley’s retirement, Bill continued on his own with “Bill’s Barber Shop” at the same Washington Street location. He later moved the shop east of town where, in addition to his barber business, he and his wife, Norma Jean, sold furniture and ran a year-round yard sale. Music was always a big part of his life. Together, he and Norma Jean, often joined by their sons, Rick and Billy, sang in churches and had their own radio program on the local KDFN radio station. After Norma Jean’s passing, Bill began playing and singing once more at various locations in the area including local nursing homes, churches, and at Doniphan’s weekly outdoor “Pickin’ on the Square” at the Ripley County Courthouse. Mr. Yates was a Korean War era veteran and served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. He spent much of that time stationed in Worms, Germany. Surviving are his children, Rick Yates of Doniphan, MO and Billy (Nancy) Yates of White House, TN, his sister, Ruby (Cleaven) Cox of Supply, AR; sister-in-law, Bertha Mae Wilson of Doniphan, MO; two brothers-in-law, Ervel (Linda) Collins of Nashville, TN, and Dale (Helen) Collins of Millstadt, IL; three grandchildren, Ashley Thompson of Doniphan, MO, Amber Dewitt of West Plains, MO, and Grayson Yates of White House, TN; and five great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews and countless friends. Bill was preceded in death by two sisters, Edna Hardy and Geneva King; and his four brothers, Jim Yates, George Yates, Lee Yates, and John Yates. Due to the Covid-19 epidemic, to honor Bill’s wish for everyone to take the virus seriously and to stay safe, there will not be a traditional funeral service. A private graveside service with immediate family will take place. A “celebration of life” will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the following charity: Hearts for the Arts Scholarship Fund c/o Southern Bank 302 Washington Street Doniphan, MO 63935