Obituary for Tom Wesley Yates
Tom Wesley Yates, a son of the soil, devoted family man, and pillar of the Altus community, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025, at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City at the age of eighty-seven-a true John Deere man who never met a stranger. Tom lived a life rooted in faith, family, and farming.
Born June 10, 1938, in Altus to E.I. Yates and Yada (Scrimsher) Yates, Tom's heart belonged to the land. Raised on the family farm in Hess, he shouldered responsibility early after his father's passing when he was twelve. With characteristic wit, he later joked that he "brought a little bit of class" when the family moved to Altus. A proud 1956 graduate of Altus High School, Tom thrived in FFA, raising and showing champion lambs and steers-passions that foreshadowed his life's work. It was during his high school years, over a shake at Broadway Drug, that he met Ellen McAskill. Smitten at first sight, Tom married his sweetheart on June 3, 1960, at Altus's First Methodist Church, beginning a 65-year partnership.
His dedication to agriculture led him to Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University), where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in Agricultural Economics.
Tom's career blossomed from the ground up. He served one year with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture's Statistical Reporting Service and then a year as Assistant County Agent with the OSU Extension Office in Perry before managing a new farmer's co-op called Pioneer Farm Center near Altus for three years. In 1967, he partnered with his brother Ted to achieve a shared dream: founding and operating the John Deere dealership in Altus. For generations, Tom was the trusted face of Yates Implement, John Deere in Southwest Oklahoma. His mechanical inclination, agricultural expertise, and genuine care for every customer made the dealership a cornerstone of the community until his retirement in 2003.
The John Deere dealership was named a World Class Service Dealership in 1998, a reflection of the business's excellence and Tom's tireless dedication. In 1999, he was honored with the Friend of the Farmer Award at the annual Farm-City Banquet-an accolade that reflected the high esteem in which he was held by the agricultural community he so faithfully served.
Tom earned his pilot's license in the 1970s and made many flights for both business and pleasure. His passion for aviation led him to build a Kitfox aircraft, and later, he flew a taildragger so he could land directly at his farm-merging practicality with adventure.
Tom lived fully. He cherished boating on Lake Altus in his younger years. In 2001, he and Ellen bought an Airstream, embarking on grand adventures across Colorado, the Pacific Northwest, Washington's Victoria Islands, New Mexico, Canada, and throughout the United States. Fun-loving, full of mischief and generosity, Tom possessed an enormous heart. He was fiercely loyal, deeply empathetic, and found immense joy in helping people-whether with a wrench or a word.
In 1992, Tom renewed his interest in photography, studying under master photographers in workshops around the country. His artistic eye and appreciation for light and detail produced a vast, treasured collection of photographs-a beautiful legacy that captured the world as he saw it.
His love for people fueled community service: the Oklahoma Soil Conservation Board, Altus City Council, Past President of the Altus Rotary Club (and Paul Harris Fellow), and the Chamber of Commerce Board. He also served on the Oklahoma Arts Institute Board, extending his influence into the world of culture and creativity. Tom genuinely knew and cared for everyone. He made it a point to attend the funeral of every person he ever sold a tractor to, believing his customers were family. His employees were cherished, and no encounter was brief-Tom could strike up a meaningful conversation anywhere, with anyone. In 1990, he reaffirmed his faith, joining Altus's First Methodist Church.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, E.I. Yates; mother, Yada (Scrimsher) Yates Corbin; and his beloved brothers, Ted Yates and John Yates.
He leaves a legacy of love through his devoted wife, Ellen McAskill Yates of the home; daughters, Kendal Copeland and husband Wayne, Courtney Baugher and husband Dr. Bruce Baugher; grandchildren, Nick Copeland and wife Esther, Chris Copeland and wife Kayla, and Lilly Baugher; and great-grandchildren: Jeremy, Julia, Shepherd, and Everly Copeland. He also leaves countless friends, customers, and a community forever touched by his generous spirit.
The Yates family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2025 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma.
A memorial service honoring the life and legacy of Tom Yates will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025, at First Methodist Church of Altus.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.
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Born June 10, 1938, in Altus to E.I. Yates and Yada (Scrimsher) Yates, Tom's heart belonged to the land. Raised on the family farm in Hess, he shouldered responsibility early after his father's passing when he was twelve. With characteristic wit, he later joked that he "brought a little bit of class" when the family moved to Altus. A proud 1956 graduate of Altus High School, Tom thrived in FFA, raising and showing champion lambs and steers-passions that foreshadowed his life's work. It was during his high school years, over a shake at Broadway Drug, that he met Ellen McAskill. Smitten at first sight, Tom married his sweetheart on June 3, 1960, at Altus's First Methodist Church, beginning a 65-year partnership.
His dedication to agriculture led him to Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University), where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in Agricultural Economics.
Tom's career blossomed from the ground up. He served one year with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture's Statistical Reporting Service and then a year as Assistant County Agent with the OSU Extension Office in Perry before managing a new farmer's co-op called Pioneer Farm Center near Altus for three years. In 1967, he partnered with his brother Ted to achieve a shared dream: founding and operating the John Deere dealership in Altus. For generations, Tom was the trusted face of Yates Implement, John Deere in Southwest Oklahoma. His mechanical inclination, agricultural expertise, and genuine care for every customer made the dealership a cornerstone of the community until his retirement in 2003.
The John Deere dealership was named a World Class Service Dealership in 1998, a reflection of the business's excellence and Tom's tireless dedication. In 1999, he was honored with the Friend of the Farmer Award at the annual Farm-City Banquet-an accolade that reflected the high esteem in which he was held by the agricultural community he so faithfully served.
Tom earned his pilot's license in the 1970s and made many flights for both business and pleasure. His passion for aviation led him to build a Kitfox aircraft, and later, he flew a taildragger so he could land directly at his farm-merging practicality with adventure.
Tom lived fully. He cherished boating on Lake Altus in his younger years. In 2001, he and Ellen bought an Airstream, embarking on grand adventures across Colorado, the Pacific Northwest, Washington's Victoria Islands, New Mexico, Canada, and throughout the United States. Fun-loving, full of mischief and generosity, Tom possessed an enormous heart. He was fiercely loyal, deeply empathetic, and found immense joy in helping people-whether with a wrench or a word.
In 1992, Tom renewed his interest in photography, studying under master photographers in workshops around the country. His artistic eye and appreciation for light and detail produced a vast, treasured collection of photographs-a beautiful legacy that captured the world as he saw it.
His love for people fueled community service: the Oklahoma Soil Conservation Board, Altus City Council, Past President of the Altus Rotary Club (and Paul Harris Fellow), and the Chamber of Commerce Board. He also served on the Oklahoma Arts Institute Board, extending his influence into the world of culture and creativity. Tom genuinely knew and cared for everyone. He made it a point to attend the funeral of every person he ever sold a tractor to, believing his customers were family. His employees were cherished, and no encounter was brief-Tom could strike up a meaningful conversation anywhere, with anyone. In 1990, he reaffirmed his faith, joining Altus's First Methodist Church.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, E.I. Yates; mother, Yada (Scrimsher) Yates Corbin; and his beloved brothers, Ted Yates and John Yates.
He leaves a legacy of love through his devoted wife, Ellen McAskill Yates of the home; daughters, Kendal Copeland and husband Wayne, Courtney Baugher and husband Dr. Bruce Baugher; grandchildren, Nick Copeland and wife Esther, Chris Copeland and wife Kayla, and Lilly Baugher; and great-grandchildren: Jeremy, Julia, Shepherd, and Everly Copeland. He also leaves countless friends, customers, and a community forever touched by his generous spirit.
The Yates family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2025 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma.
A memorial service honoring the life and legacy of Tom Yates will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025, at First Methodist Church of Altus.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Tom Wesley Yates, visit the Tribute Store.
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Visitation
Friday
20
Jun
6:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
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