John Michael Yeates

John Michael Yeates our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away peacefully on Saturday October 1, 2022, at home surrounded by those who loved him most.

 John was born April 27, 1944, in Salt Lake City to John Phillip Yeates and Dorothy Dawn Jenkin. John was a gifted athlete and from an early age he excelled in a variety of sports. He was a proud West High Panther lettering in multiple sports. After High School he attended the College of Southern Utah (SUU) on an athletic scholarship playing baseball, basketball, and football. He was honored to be inducted into the Thunderbirds Hall of Fame and was also selected as a member of the “All Church” basketball team.  In 1963 he accepted a call to serve in the England, London Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. During his missionary experience John was privileged to play under the direction of his mission President on multiple sports teams. It was a unique opportunity given him to use his talents to draw others to Christ. He served his Heavenly Father faithfully and returned with honor. Over the course of his life, he developed a strong testimony and love of the Gospel; he spent much of his time studying and truly became a scholar of the scriptures.

John graduated with his B.S. degree in Political Science from the University of Utah. On July 15, 1966, he was sealed to his childhood sweetheart, Gloria Williams in the Salt Lake temple. Together they raised seven children. John loved his family; they were his joy, and he was always so proud of them.  He worked hard and sacrificed much to provide countless opportunities for them. It didn’t matter what they were involved in he was always their biggest fan. He had a successful career working in the trucking industry for over 47 years in various capacities and managing several different companies. He retired from USF Reddaway where he was the Regional Vice President over the western division of the United States & Canada. John was a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ and served in a variety of leadership positions in the church, among his favorite callings were working with the young men and teaching Gospel Doctrine.

 John was dearly loved, admired and adored by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. To know him was to love him. He was a man of integrity and great faith. He was a natural leader and lived what he believed. He was gracious, honest, caring and selfless. His wit and humor will remain unmatched. His warm smile and gentle demeanor will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife Gloria, children Amy (Troy) Hodell, Cacey Yeates, Matthew (Hollie) Yeates, Bethany (Jason) Barker, Michael (Kara) Yeates, Sara (Ryan) Wade, Megan (Bridger) Williams, 23 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and siblings Judith Mollerup, Robert (Elena) Yeates.  He was proceeded in death by his parents John & Dorothy Yeates, brother-in-law Robert Mollerup. 

Dad we will miss your backyard BBQ’s, homemade raspberry ice-cream, family trips, Halloween costumes, spiritual Christmas story, birthday songs, never ending meals, and unconditional love. We will watch for you in the stands, courtside, and on every sideline, knowing you will be forever cheering us on.

 “There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone the light remains.” We love you Dad…until we meet again.

A public viewing will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2022, from 6-8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 N Main St. Farmington UT.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 10, 2022, 11 a.m. Pioneer Park Ward 1449 Thoroughbred Dr. Kaysville, UT. A brief viewing will precede funeral services from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Interment- Memorial Lakeview Cemetery, Bountiful UT

For those wishing to attend virtually, the service will be streamed live at 11:00 AM on Russon Mortuary and Crematory Facebook Page using the following link: https://www.facebook.com/people/Russon-Mortuary-Crematory/100057447129518/

Services will also be streamed under this obituary beginning at 11:00 AM on Monday.