Thomas Richard Yeates
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Thomas Richard Yeates
Born 11/9/1954
Died 5/28/2025
Thomas R. Yeates, 70, of Raytown Missouri passed away on May 28, 2025 at Kansas City Hospice House from complications from esophageal cancer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Aretha Yeates.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 48 years, Brenda Yeates; son, Ben (Shannon) Yeates; daughter, Sarah Yeates; three grandchildren, Davis Yeates, Anderson Yeates, and Fynnlie Beckham. He also leaves his two sisters, Terresa (David) Etter and Connie (Frank) Fain; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Thom grew up in a loving family with his parents and two sisters and many beloved pets.
He was involved in scouting from an early age and became an Eagle Scout and was also in Mic-O-Say.
Thom served in the Air Force Reserve and received training as a machinist which led to his career, first at Phillips Petroleum Refinery and then at the Kansas City Star until retirement.
He loved his family fiercely. Thom and his wife Brenda met at church in youth group, dated 4 years and were married for 48 years. His children and grandchildren brought him much joy and Baxter was his last fur buddy.
Thom was always wanting to find a way to help someone, a wonderful listener and a great storyteller. He was a gentle man of faith and was never in a hurry. He was a one of a kind man and will forever be missed.
Services will be held at Fairview-Rider Cemetery in Rich Hill, MO to be determined at a later date.
“Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story” -Thom Yeates
Thom was a great guy, always interested in all things mechanical. I learned so much about historical devices and antique technology from him. He was an inspiration to me and a valued friend. He will forever remain in my heart, and always in my thoughts. This earth will never be the same without him. Rest peacefully Thom.
I’m quite sure Thom is in the Bass Section of the “Big Choir” up above. He put up with me dragging his poor wife to all sorts of “crazy” performances and that gets a lot of credit. So – to the Best Bass I sat next to a RHS Concert Choir – thanks for sharing your music and life all these years.