Norman L. Yates, 78, of Mentone, Ind., passed away at 7:05 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at Life Care Center of Rochester, Ind.

He was born July 20, 1934, in Betsy Lane, Ky., to Hartman and Edith (Hall) Yates. He married Joann Converse on Feb. 19, 1960, in Huntington, Ind.

Norman was a truck driver. He served his country in the U.S. Army. He attended the First Baptist Church of Mentone and played the guitar. He loved country music, especially Johnny Cash, and also loved classic cars. He enjoyed candy and ice cream and collected many toy classic cars.

Norman is survived by his wife: Joann S. Yates, Mentone; a daughter: Carol (Brian) Scrivens, Kendallville, Ind.; two sons: Mark (Jan) Yates, Elkhart, Ind.; and Michael (Michelle) Yates, Akron, Ind.; five grandchildren: Heather, Toni, Nathan, Kyle and J.T.; a sister: Lois (Rowland) Shepherd, North Manchester, Ind.; and a brother: Kenny (Jamie) Yates, Paris, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Hartman and Edith Yates; and a brother: Franklin Yates.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, in the funeral home with Pastor Michael Wilhite. Burial will follow in Mentone Cemetery where graveside military rites will be performed by the Warsaw American Legion and VFW.

Memorial contributions may be made to: First Baptist Church of Mentone.