M. Yates Stewart, 92, of Taylorville, passed away at 4:40 a.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

Yates was born December 5, 1930, in Palmyra, the son of John Curtis and Bertha Blanche (Eyer) Stewart.  He married Geraldine V. Antoine on June 1, 1957, at the Davis Memorial Christian Church in Taylorville, and they have enjoyed 65 years of marriage.

Yates proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, and upon his honorable discharge worked for several years as an over the road trucker.  He then went on to work for Norfolk Western Railroad for thirty-one years, as a carman, until his retirement in 1991.

Yates was a handyman, and if he didn’t know how to do something he learned how to, so he could fix it himself.  He loved vegetable gardening and remodeling projects.  Yates also enjoyed doing mechanical work on his own vehicles.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Joann Jones and Twyla McDonald; and brothers, Alden and William Stewart.

Yates is survived by his wife, Gerry Stewart of Taylorville; children, Connie (husband, Gary) King of Taylorville, Brenda Borgic of Taylorville, Michael (wife, Melodi) Stewart of Palmer, and Robert Stewart of Taylorville; 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Helen Jones of Jacksonville; and many nieces and nephews.
Private ceremonies will be held, followed by burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Yates’ family.

The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville with ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Yates, or to offer condolences his family.