Kevin Mark Yates, 71, of Sullivan passed away 6:25 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at his home.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Kevin was born April 3, 1955, in Peoria; the son of James W. and Ruth M. (Sampson) Yates. He worked in the labs of Mars/Kal Kan as a chemist helping to research and create new products. Kevin was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed antique cars. He was a fan of Western movies and the music of Seals & Crofts. Kevin was a big history buff and took part in Civil War and World War II reenactments. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and took great joy in his nieces and nephews.

Kevin is survived by his sister, Marsha (David) Webb of Macon; sister-in-law, Patricia Yates of Washington, IL; nieces and nephews, Ryan (Karyn) Yates of Washington, IL, Adam Yates of Eureka, Donhavan (Amy) Webb of Niantic, Tyler (Austin) Webb of Decatur, Miranda (Brent) Cox of Trophy Club, TX, and Derek (Alexis) Conger of Washington, IL. He is also survived by several great-nieces, great-nephews. 1 great-great-niece and 1 great-great-nephew.

Kevin was proceeded in death by his parents, 1 brother, Michael K. Yates and his faithful fur baby, Andy.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com