Hassell "Mike" Yates (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Hassell Michael “Mike” Yates, son of Hassell M. and Evalyn “Babe” Tressie Wilkinson Yates, was born September 25, 1942, in Coleman, Texas. He departed this life Saturday, April 3, 2021, in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of seventy-eight years, six months, and nine days.
On September 30, 1977, he was united in marriage to Sharon Stone Simmons, while they were both working for NASA, and they shared the last forty-three years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Dean Stametz; and two sisters, O’leen Trew, and his Dominican sister of Peru, Co-leen Dessie Yates; and a niece, Janice Trew.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, of the home; four daughters, Christie Morgan, and her husband, Tom, Dena Baker, and her husband, Brad, Jeanie Jaramillo Stametz, all of Amarillo, Texas, and Janie Aggas, and her husband, Trent, of Trophy Club, Texas; two sons, Kevin Simmons, and his wife, Paula, of Ozark, Missouri, and Kirk Simmons, and his wife, Gina, of Houston, Texas; twelve grandchildren, Gracie Morgan, Cherish Shannon, Landon Aggas, Braden Baker, Hannah Jaramillo, Jonah Jaramillo, Ella Jaramillo, Austin Simmons, Justin Simmons, Nicole Simmons, Victoria Serna, and Marrissa Serna; a sister, Rita Cook, and her husband, Phil, of Burleson, Texas; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in Texas, where he received his education. He worked for the Texas Highway Patrol for a few years, and then began a career as an electrician. He worked for fifty years as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union # 716 before retiring. They moved to Lebanon, Missouri in 1978, where Mike continued to work as an electrician for the Calloway County Electric Company and then locally at boat factories in Lebanon.
Mike was a 3rd Degree Mason in the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed music of all kinds and liked to fish. He and Sharon enjoyed traveling and Mike particularly liked being on the beach. They also belonged to two square dance clubs. He was always compassionate and willing to help anyone. He was very friendly and never met a stranger. He was very steadfast in his convictions and lived by the philosophy, “I did it my way” and “Get it done”. He had a dry sense of humor and loved to laugh. He also loved to fly his own airplane.
His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed having time with his children and grandchildren. He also loved dogs and particularly his favorites, “Jack”, who died of cancer, and “Bubba”, who was handicapped.
Mike was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and was a caring friend. We celebrate his life and know that his family and friends will hold tight to the wonderful memories he created for them during his lifetime.
Services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2021, in Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon with Rev. Greg Turner and Mike Lawson officiating. Burial will be in Harrill (Simlin) Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in the funeral home.
Memorial donations to Lebanon Claws and Paws may be made through the funeral home.
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