William Robert Yates was born April 4, 1932, in Mt Calm, Texas, the first son and second child Robert Grady Yates and Zela O'Neal Yates. Whether it was washing dishes, fixing bicycle flats, or throwing paper routes, he was driven and ambitious from an early age.
He enlisted in the Army on January 13, 1953, when his superiors noted his ability to quickly dismantle and reassemble a machine gun blindfolded - a task he was asked to teach other enlistees. He loved being stationed in Alaska where he was given the job of driving officers in their search for guided missile sites in the tundra.
After being discharged on Dec 12, 1954, he returned to Denison where he joined his father in the building business. Weldon Cole, owner of Cole Lumber Company, noted the young man's aggressiveness and hard work when deciding to give Robert his start in a home building career that spanned five decades. Robert is credited with developing most of West Denison in his vision of the town's growth.
He satisfied Denison's growing population with premier developments including Western Terrace, Lillis Park, Ambassador Court and the Oakwood, Spring Creek, Hidden Valley neighborhoods. Deer Creek, Phase 1,2,&3 was his crowning jewel and residence in his later years.
Robert was active in the community serving two terms on the Denison city Council and as a director of a local bank. He enjoyed fishing and boating on Lake Texoma and indulging in his love of the dice table.
Robert is survived by his Wife of 32 years, two sons, and 2 sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jessie.
Family visitation will be Monday, February 29, at First Presbyterian Church, Denison, from 9:30 to 10:30 with a service celebrating Robert's life immediately following at 10:30 with Dr. Lander Bethel officiating. Burial will follow the service at Fairview Cemetery in Denison.
Arrangements under direction of American Funeral Services, Denison.