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John Mark Boyd posted a condolence
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Larry and I played on the same softball team, we played many rounds of golf, he was a teacher, a coach and a confidant but most of all he was my friend. People may say they have a lot of friends but I have only a few. The friendships I build are based on trust, reliability, honesty, compassion, humor, sincereity, companionship and most of all love. Yes you could say I loved Larry and it didnt take long for that to happen. Larry had a way about him that drew people in. He could take the most mundane situations and make them exciting. He could carry a conversation and make it easy to talk to him about any subject. Larry was intelligent and admired by many. He was a prominant figure in Spencer and Van Buren County. Just about everyone knew him and I could continue on with this condolence with many attributes and accolades which we all know so well about him but perhaps what the family wants to hear and I need to say is something more private and perhaps inspiring.
Larry and I spoke often as our friendship grew over the years. Most of the time we both acted quite goofy and silly as we all know Larry could be sometimes. One day while playing golf I was about to take my swing when Larry said, "Swing hard just in case you hit it." I know that doesnt sound profound or significant but this could very well be Larry's motto. He never settled for the easy road or the most convenient way. If he could accomplish it then he set his mind and his goal toward it and sure enough he would make it happen. In his life we all know our the positions he held in this life, we know of the many friends he made, we know of the obstacles he had to over come and we all know he lived each day like it was his last. Ive never known anyone else like him. He was always swinging hard with every endeavor and most of the time he did hit it. He did make a difference. His foot print will forever be in the mountain home he loved. His finger prints will always be found on the lives of those he knew and loved. His spiritual imprint will always be found in the family members he has left behind. And his motto, "Swing hard just in case you hit it." will never be forgotten. Words spoken in jest have never left me and I have always done just that. At work I contribute when others fail to do so because I am swining hard. At home if my family needs me I am always there. At church if asked to say a prayer, speak before the church, read from the bible, teach a class or whatever the need may be I always offer my services and I am proud to do so. Along with his motto Larry left behind something we can all appreciate, he left behind the example of a man that we should all try to emmulate. The example of a man who loved his family, his friends and his God. I could continue writing about Larry for a quite a while but the most important thing of all about Larry I beieve is he was never selfish. He was humble and blessed. He never made anything about him and was embarrassed when praised. He was never selfish at all because he made every situation, every conversation, every moment about others which leads me to how Larry lived his life. He lived it with pure JOY in his heart. Not an ordinary joy but pur JOY which is ...
J ..... Jesus first
O .... Others second
Y .... Yourself last
I am going to miss Larry till the day I pass from this world. Hopefull when my number is called I will be found worthy to receive that home on high and if I do I just know Larry will be waiting by the pearly gates with that silly, goofy smile on his face and no doubt he will say, "What took you so long?"
We shall weep for a while. We shall mourn even longer. We may never see a day without Larry being part of our mindful toughts. But during this time I want the family to know that this is just an eathly departure. We say goodbye today but one day soon we'll all be reunited and then the Lord will wipe away all tears. No more death, no more sorrow, no more parting. To the Yates family and friends I want you to know many will be mourning the loss of my good friend and for a while we will shed many tears. But so long as I live in this life I will never do things half hearted because Larry said it best, "Swing hard just in case you hit it." God rest your soul my friend. I will see you again.
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Edie Williams posted a condolence
Saturday, February 3, 2018
I mourn the passing of Larry Yates. He was my Principal, my Director, my Mentor, but most of all my dear friend. I cannot express the impact he made upon my career in education. He was truly one of the finest people that I have ever known. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
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Holly Hensley Irvin posted a condolence
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Mr. Yates was the very example of a wonderful leader & educator! He was such a nice man & always willing to help anyway he could. I remember him fondly as I think back on my school years in Van Buren county. He was a wonderful person and he will be missed by many. Praying for his family & friends. Special prayers for his niece Sharon Wilson, who was in my graduating class. Rest in Peace Mr. Yates.
Much love & prayers
Holly Hensley Irvin
VBCHS Class of 1990
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Regina Bickford lit a candle
Saturday, February 3, 2018
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Fred Steakley Jr ( Junior) posted a condolence
Saturday, February 3, 2018
So very sorry to hear of Larry's Passing and My Prayers are with the Family..
Larry was always a Very Good Young Man in our growing up..
Again So Sorry......
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Landon Medley posted a condolence
Friday, February 2, 2018
It is a sad time for all who knew Larry. Condolences to the family.
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Dennis Mathewson posted a condolence
Friday, February 2, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. Recently I lost my dear mother, and found
great comfort in the Holy Bible, like at Isaiah 25 verse 8 - " The Sovereign Lord will
swallow up death forever, and wipe away the tears from all faces." Also at
Revelation 21 verse 4, we find God's promise to remove both pain and death.
For more comfort I turn to the website at: www.jw.org (Search: Comfort)
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Judy (Woodlee) Bruce posted a condolence
Friday, February 2, 2018
Joan and Shirley~~~~I'm so sorry for your loss. Praying God will give you Peace and Comfort during this sad time.
Love,
Judy
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Shelia Hodges posted a condolence
Friday, February 2, 2018
I always enjoyed talking, visiting and spending time wirh Larry. He was a kind man that always always always was willing to help anyone.
Larry my cousin, friend and mentor you will be missed. Love you
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Charlie. Cope. posted a condolence
Thursday, February 1, 2018
So sorry for your Loss I went to school with Larry. I remember him as a good guy. Always very nice to everyone.
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Billie Grpve posted a condolence
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Larry was such a wonderful guy easy to talk to, kind and considerate. He was always ready with a smile and encouragement. He was a patience educator and beloved friend, always. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I’m so sorry for his family’s great loss.
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LaVerne Grove posted a condolence
Thursday, February 1, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. I loved Larry. We worked together at the park and reminded friends. He always had a kind heart and a hug for me. He will be missed.
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DarleneHale lit a candle
Thursday, February 1, 2018
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Larry was the most caring and loving person I have ever met. I am so privileged to have got to work with Larry the past 5 years. We became very close friends. I will always cherish the time we spent together. Rest in peace my dear friend.
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Joe Moffitt posted a condolence
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Very sad to hear of the passing of my good friend. He made work an enjoyable experience. He was caring and kind. His leadership style was to truly lead, not boss. I will miss him very much.
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george c. bolding posted a condolence
Thursday, February 1, 2018
sorry for your loss larry and i taught at eastside elementary in warren co 70s and early80s. there was not a finer person than larry yates he was loyal, dependable,and n. ever absent from work i enjoyed my time working with him.
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Hugh and Shelia Pettit posted a condolence
Thursday, February 1, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss of a wonderful brother. I think he has touched about everyone in Van Buren County at one time or another. He is going to be missed by so many. You all are in our prayers for comfort and peace. Love you
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Barbara Back posted a condolence
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Am so saddened for the lost of a dear friend. He will be missed,but remembered by many. RIP Larry
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The family of Larry Wayne Yates uploaded a photo
Thursday, February 1, 2018
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