Jerry Clark Yates

Jerry Clark Yates. July 19, 1939 – July 9. 2025

Jerry Yates, age 85, passed away peacefully in his home on July 9.2025 in Lamont, Oklahoma.

Jerry was born in Oklahoma City, Ok on July 19, 1939 to J.C. Yates and Alma Cox Yates. He grew up in Lawton, Oklahoma and graduated from Lawton High School in 1957. Jerry was a student when he met his wife, Elaine Brown. They met at a Homecoming Party at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. They were married on January 18, 1963. They welcomed 3 children to their marriage: Misty, Wayne and Charles.

Jerry was an educator and a student, and he loved learning. His first Degree was received from Cameron Jr. College in Lawton, Oklahoma. He then enrolled at Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he spent the next several years. He received his Degree of Music in 1963, and his Master’s Degree of Music Education in 1964.

He began his teaching career in Cheyenne, Ok then Canute, Ok, moving to Canton, Ok and then on to Lamont, Ok.

He enrolled in school at Northeastern Oklahoma State University and received his 2nd Master’s Degree in Special Education. He finished his education with a Certification for Education of Seriously Emotionally Disturbed Children from Oklahoma State University.

He stopped teaching for a brief period of time and worked in the oil field across northern Oklahoma. He went back to teach at Covington, Ok and finished his teaching career in Enid, Ok. He taught school for 36 years.

Jerry worked very hard providing for his family. He was involved with their many activities. Jerry loved to teach, hunt and paint. He loved music of every kind.

He was active in the Christian Church of Lamont. He taught Sunday School, and was a Deacon, an Elder and a Church Board Member. His favorite scripture was John 3:16.

Jerry was proceeded in death by his parents J.C. Yates, Alma Yates Gagne, and one great grandchild, Matthew Cole Zimbelman.

He is survived by his wife of 62 year, Elaine Yates of the home. He is also survived by his children, Misty Jean Zimbelman of Tahlequah, Ok, Wayne Brown Yates, and Charles David Yates of Oklahoma City, Ok. Three grandchildren, Zachary Doyle Zimbelman and his Wife Kasey of McAlister, Ok, Megan Zimbelman of Tahlequah, Ok, and Samantha Yates of Oklahoma City. Also, one great grandchild, Hannah Claire Zimbelman, daughter of Zachary and Kasey Zimbelman who was the light of his life. He is also survived by 2 adopted grandchildren, Nick Yates and Danielle Yates Wan and her children, Aleta, Harper and Isabella.

Jerry will be interred at the Lamont Cemetery after a graveside service on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 11:00 a,m. with the United States Army conducting military rites.

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