Robert O. “Bud” Yates, 72, of rural South Whitley, died at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.

He was born Jan. 18, 1944, in Torrance, Calif., a son of Robert E. and Katherine (Askey) Yates. At the age of 13, his family moved to Laud. He attended Jefferson Center School and Columbia City Joint High School.

On July 28, 1962 he married his high school sweetheart, Linda L. Gibson. They have made their home in the Columbia City and South Whitley areas. Bud drove truck most of his life. He worked at Regent Mobil Homes in Syracuse, Universal Cooperatives in Goshen for 18 years, USF Holland in Fort Wayne for 16 years and Whitley Mobil Homes in South Whitley. He spent most of his spare time restoring cars and trucks, that was his pride and joy. Bud and Linda spent a lot of time traveling to car shows.

Surviving relatives include his wife: Linda; four children: Angie (Brett) Holler, Hartland, Mich.; Todd Yates, South Whitley; Penny Yates; Shannon Yates, both of Columbia City; four grandchildren: Brittany (Josh) Prater; Tyler Yates; Hope Yates; and Chantry Bryan; four sisters: Barbara Noll, Wolcottville; Virginia Miller, Ontario, Calif.; Lucille Schrader, Columbia City; and Deborah Erwin, Ackworth, Ga.; a brother: Darrell Yates, Columbia City; and his beloved cat: Sugar; whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson: Ryne Yates; and a sister: Juanita Prine.

The funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday. Burial will be at a later date at South Whitley Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to Great Lakes Hospice or American Cancer Society.