Gordon Wesley Yates

Gordon Wesley Yates, 78, Long time resident of Bakersfield, CA passed away at home on Aug. 6th, 2024, due COPD.

Gordon was born in Bakersfield on Nov. 24th, 1945.  His parents, Orbin Chester and Margret Faye Yates were traveling farm workers from Little Rock, Arkansas who would come to the Central California Valley every year to work, picking cotton in the Buttonwillow farm fields. In 1952, his parents decided to stay in California, so they purchased a house in Tupman, CA not far from Buttonwillow. Gordon went to School in Tupman where he met his future wife, Carolyn Smith. A decade later, Gordon and Carolyn were married in Buttonwillow on Aug 23rd, 1963.

Their family grew in 1965 with the birth of their first son (Gordon DeWayne Yates).   Three years later they welcomed their second son (Gavin Deon Yates) and in 1979 completed their family with the birth of their third son (Daniel Gregory Yates).  In 2007, Carolyn was involved in a fatal car accident that devastated the family.  His niece, Mandy Yates, moved in with Gordon to be a companion and eventually became his caretaker.  Gordon was like a 2nd father to Mandy.

For over 50 years, Gordon enjoyed working in the Oil and Gas Industry as an Industrial Mechanic servicing many types of machinery - engines, compressors, and pumps. He retired from the local OXY/CRC Elk Hills Field in 2013. Gordon had many hobbies.  In the early years, Gordon enjoyed deep sea fishing off his Glen-L Cabin Cruise boat that was docked in Long Beach and would frequent Catalina Island. He also enjoyed riding his ATV’s and Motorcycles with friends and family members. He always looked forward to the Annual Family Reunion Camping Trip at Pismo Beach every July.

Gordon is preceded in death by his parents, Orbin Chester Yates (1980) and Margaret “Faye” Yates (1979), his brothers Mark Anthony Yates (1981), Orvin “Chester” Yates (1992), Gayle Ray Yates (2005), his wife Carolyn Yates (2007), and their 1st son, Gordon Dewayne Yates (2022).

Gordon is survived by his sons, Gavin Deon Yates (Escalon, CA), Daniel G. Yates (Buttonwillow, CA), their wives Wendy Yates and Alisa Yates.  Surviving grandchildren are Brittney S. Yates-Mancilla, Kyle D. Yates, Kara Yates-Cross, Nathan Yates, Alexa Yates, and Gordon Wesley Yates, Junior.

Great Grandchildren include – Alaina Mancilla, Brooklyn Mancilla, Everliegh Mancilla, Wesley Cross and the newest addition, Walker Cross.

Gordon also leaves behind many nieces, additional extended family members, and more friends than can be counted.

Gordon’s oldest brother, Orbin Yates, and his wife Joan Yates continue to live in Tupman, CA where there are so many fond memories.

You will be truly missed.  Until we meet again, know we love you! Rest in peace, Pops!

*Funeral Services to be Held at Erickson & Brown Funeral Home – 501 Lucard St. Taft, CA. Viewing on Monday Aug. 19th from 3-5 PM and Graveside Services to be held Tuesday Aug. 20th at 9:30 AM. *Celebration of Life Luncheon from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

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