Gary Yates, 69, of Metropolis, IL, formerly of Lake in the Hills, IL, passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at Massac Memorial Hospital.Services will be held in the Lake in the Hills area at a later date.He was born in Joppa, IL on December 22, 1946 to Herbert and Mary (Cook) Yates. He graduated from Larkin High School in Elgin, IL in 1965. After graduation, he served his country in the United States Air Force for 3 ½ years, including duty in Vietnam.Gary is survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda Lindstrom Yates; two sons, Michael Yates and Timothy Yates; his only granddaughter, Alexis Yates; nephew, Jeremy Yates; niece, Nicole Yates; aunt, Sharon Lang; uncles, Jim Yates and Jack Yates; and numerous cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Mary Yates; his paternal and maternal grandparents; and his younger brother, David Yates.His family would like him to be remembered for his kind and generous heart, his love and devotion to his family, and his love for all animals, especially his dog, Cubby.Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.Online condolences may be left at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.