Yates Jr., Shelby 1943-2025 Indianola, MS
Shelby Yates Jr.
1943-2025
Shelby Yates Jr. was born on February 2, 1943, in Indianola, Mississippi, to Shelby Lee and Gennie Mae Yates. He passed away peacefully Saturday, September 13, 2025, with his family by his side.
He professed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age, dedicating his life to faith and service. He was elevated to a regional position in the Young People Willing Workers (YPWW) with the Church of God in Christ in Illinois, where he faithfully taught Bible lessons and led the department.
At just 17 years old, Shelby began serving in the United States Air Force and National Guard, a commitment he upheld for decades beyond the age of 60. Rising to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, he served as a C-130 Propeller Master Mechanic. In addition to his active service and drills, he worked full-time in Civil Service for the Air Force National Guard in the same capacity. Throughout his career, Shelby received numerous awards and decorations that honored his technical expertise, dedication, courage, and problem-solving abilities across the Department of Defense and around the world.
Beyond his military and civil service, Shelby was also an entrepreneur. He founded Yates Limousine, LLCin Missouri, where he poured his passion into serving his clients and building relationships with those he worked alongside.
Shelby loved life deeply. He enjoyed cooking, fishing, driving, cars, cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs, and sharing good food with family and friends. Above all, his greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially watching and supporting them in their sports, school, and other activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Shelby and Gennie Mae Yates; his wife, Arvesta Yates; and his siblings Francis Small, Mozella Williams, John Yates, Geneva Shields, George Yates, Emma Cook, Sarah Yates, and Harold Yates.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his children Marcus Strong, LaWanda Strong, Shelia Yates, and Shelby Yates; grandchildren TyShell Eckert, Tyus Strong, Xavier Evans, Joseph Clark, and Khania Clark; siblings Darlene Higgs-Brown and Henry “Tyrone” Yates; along with a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. He will be remembered for his faith, his service, his love for family, and the joy he brought to all who knew him.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Friday, September 26, First Lutheran Church. Interment 1:30 P.M. Friday, September 26, Leavenworth National Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, September 25, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
