Michael Kent Yates, 72, of Washington, passed away at 10:45pm Saturday, April 29, 2023 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

He was born April 14, 1951 in Peoria to the late James W. and Ruth M. Sampson Yates, and he married Patricia M. Kimball on February 28, 1998 in Washington.

Surviving is his wife, Patty; his children and their families: son, Ryan (Karyn) Yates of Washington, and grandchildren Alex (Angel) Yates of Roanoke, and great granddaughter Josephine; granddaughter, Rylie Yates; son, Adam (Denae) Yates of Florida, and grandchildren Ava, Brooklyn, Cora, and Dylan; son, Luke Conger of New York and grandson Lathan; daughter, Miranda (Brent) Cox of Washington and grandchildren Hadleigh, Hutson, and Henley; and son, Derek (Alexis) Conger of Washington and grandchildren Alynn, Emma and Daniel; two beloved Yorkies, Mayce and Lucy; brother Kevin Yates of Sullivan and sister Marsha (David) Webb of Macon and nephew Donhavan (Amy) Webb, great nieces Madelyn and Mikayla Webb; nephew, Tyler Webb and great niece Gracie Jo.

Michael worked in the banking industry for many years, retiring from Associated Bank in 1998. He loved anything associated with the Mother Road and was a founding member of the Route 66 Association of Illinois. He loved people, getting to know their stories and sharing his own. Among his many talents were playing the piano, woodworking in his shop that he built with Patty, and tending to his plants and garden. He also loved hunting for treasures in antique shops and had a sweet tooth, which he often satisfied with something he would make from scratch. Michael had a strong, abiding faith in Jesus that he lived out and demonstrated for others. He leaves behind memories of a full life and an amazing legacy for the family he cherished.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Sunnyland Christian Church in Washington. Pastor Mary Runge will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chordoma Foundation or Northwestern University Nervous System Tumor Bank.