J.W. "Junior" Yates, Jr., while surrounded by his loved ones, went to be with his Lord on September 26th, 2009. Junior was born December 21st, 1933 to John Wesley Yates, Sr. and Oza Lee Yates in Wagoner, Oklahoma. Junior retired to his hometown of Wagoner in the early 90's after spending 25 years working for American Stores Corp. In his twenty-five years with American Stores aka Skaggs he managed numerous stores in Oklahoma and Texas. He finished his career as the corporate advertising coordinator and seasonal buyer over eighty-seven stores. Before his tenure with American Stores he owned numerous businesses, worked for the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Callery Chemical Company in Northeastern Oklahoma. Junior's work ethic was shaped at the early age of eleven when he worked for Jake Powell and his older brother Vernon. During the Korean Conflict period Junior served in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic instructor. He followed his service in the Air Force by serving twelve years in the Army Reserves. Throughout his life Junior enjoyed participating in many sports. At sixteen he was boxing. In his early adult years he enjoyed baseball and golf. During retirement he rooted for his favorite basketball and football teams. Junior was preceded in death by his beloved parents John Wesley Sr. and Oza Yates. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Doyle, Harley, Cecil "Red", and Vernon and his sisters Rema, Wilma, and Mary Sue. Junior is survived by his wife Rose Mary of fifty-six years, his sons Wes of Columbia, South Carolina and Steve of Knoxville, Tennessee. He is also survived by his sister Jerri Payne of Shawnee, Oklahoma, 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Monday, September 28th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mallett Funeral Home in Wagoner. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 29th at the First Baptist Church of Wagoner. Pallbearers will be Jim Gladden, Jesse Page, Bill Lancaster, Dan Easterling, Corey Brown and Gary Spriggs. Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Whitekiller, Sonny Whitekiller, Bob Hill, David Redfern, Kenny Wassom and Jim Jean. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Wagoner.