Francis Yates, 74, of Fowler, died at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, December 8, 2012 at his residence. He was born February 14, 1938, at the home of his late parents Ray O. and Blanche (Baron) Yates. Francis was a graduate of Remington High School and was involved with the National Guard. Francis was married to Noreen (Kheul) Yates in 1974. In 2001, she preceded him in death. In 1982, he began a partnership with Larry Wirtz. Francis was the owner and president of Wirtz & Yates Construction for over 20 years. Throughout his life, Francis was a resident of Kentland, Monticello, and Sheldon, Illinois. He enjoyed fishing, skiing, boating and spending time with his grandchildren. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge #1791 in Watseka, Illinois. Along with his parents and wife, Francis was preceded in death by a son; Terry Yates, 5 brothers, and a sister. Surviving Francis are sons; Rick Yates (Wife: Michelle) and Trent Yates, grandchildren; Ricky Yates, Dustin Yates, Ashley Yates, Dylan Yates, great-grandchildren; Colin, Addison, and Jaedyn Yates, and sister; Pat Lovell of Kankakee Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. CST, on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home of Kentland. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. CST on Thursday, December 13, 2012, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Kentland. Interment will follow at L'Erable Catholic Cemetery in Ashkum, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.