John Austin Yates

John Austin Yates, known by many as a true cowboy at heart, went to ride the horse trails of Heaven on Sunday, March 8, 2026. He passed peacefully at his home in Wagoner, Oklahoma, at the age of 86 years, surrounded by the love of his family. John was born on October 20, 1939, in Choska Bottoms, Oklahoma, to Doyle Austin Yates and Georgia (Barnett) Yates. He attended Wagoner Public Schools and proudly graduated with the Class of 1957.

On January 11, 1958, John married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Wright. Together they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and devotion to family. Their marriage was a beautiful example of enduring love, partnership, and commitment, inspiring everyone who knew them.

A hardworking entrepreneur, John founded Yates Trucking in 1962. What began with spreading lime eventually grew into hauling sand and gravel, building a respected business that served the community for decades. Through his work and his character, John earned the respect of many across Wagoner County. John was known for having one of the biggest hearts you could ever find. He was selfless, always putting others before himself, and he possessed a patience and kindness that left a lasting impression on everyone he met. If someone needed help, John was the first to lend a hand.

Beginning in 1980, John and Mary brought joy to countless families when they dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. For 45 years they faithfully continued this cherished tradition, spreading Christmas spirit and smiles throughout the community. John was also a proud supporter of youth and agriculture. He enthusiastically supported the FFA and 4-H exhibitors at the annual Wagoner Livestock Show. As a young man, John himself was involved in FFA, where he showed his Jersey heifer, a memory he often spoke about with pride.

Horses were one of John’s greatest passions. He loved trail riding and helped establish a community of riders as the charter founder of the Okie-Arkie Trail Riders Club. His love for the trail took him across the country, riding from Georgia to California. If a horse had a good gait, John appreciated it even more. Above all else, John loved his family deeply. There was no place he would rather be than wherever his family was gathered. Whether it was a celebration, rodeo, a livestock show, or simply a visit, John was always there, showing his love through his presence. He was also known to be quite the storyteller, sharing memories and tales of days gone by with anyone willing to listen.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Georgia Yates; his brother, Ronald Yates; and his sister, Carolyn Peters.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and memories that will live on through his family. Those left to cherish his life are his beloved wife, Mary Yates; his children and their spouses, Tracy Smith and husband Steve of Wagoner, Oklahoma, and Stacy Yates and wife Terrie of Hulbert, Oklahoma; his beloved grandchildren, Stephanie Rexwinkle and husband Doug, Randi Stanley and husband Wendall, Mollie Daniels and husband Brady, and Douglas Yates and wife Brittany; his treasured great grandchildren, Aubrie, Zachary, Aiden, Tripp, Maria, Taya, Isabella, Trevor, and Gary; his brother, Don Robert Yates of Wagoner, Oklahoma; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

John Yates was truly one of a kind. A cowboy, a businessman, a storyteller, a trail rider, and most importantly a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His boots may now rest, but his spirit rides on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Family will greet friends at a Visitation on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 5-7 pm in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home.

A Funeral Service honoring the life of John Yates will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the Lighthouse Church in Wagoner, Oklahoma. Reverend Lisa Sowers will officiate.

Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Wagoner, Oklahoma. Those serving as casket bearers include Stacy Yates, Tripp Stanley, Aiden Rexwinkle, Zac Jones, Gary Davis, Douglas Yates, Wendall Stanley, Doug Rexwinkle, Steve Smith, and Brady Daniels. Honorary casket bearers included David Cobb, Alvin Bond, Jack Freeman, Bill Hereden, John Vann, Leon Hearst, William Grant, Johnny Doyle Stout, and Bill Martin.

The family of John Yates has entrusted his care and services to Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory, 417 East Cherokee Street, Wagoner, Oklahoma, 74467. 918-485-2911