Corky Yates earned his keep in the Kingdom of Gold at 6:55pm on June 17, 2016 at St. Johns Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma due to complications following a massive stroke.
Corky was born Earl Ray Yates on June 21, 1951 at the Pawhuska Municipal Hospital in Osage County, Oklahoma to mother, Imogene "Jean" Tincher Yates and father, Lanford Joel "Joe" Yates.
Remaining in the area he became a very well-known oilman. Before making his riches in the oilfield he was a welder by trade and came from a long line of oilmen & welders.
Corky married the love of his life and his high school sweetheart, Rosette Sue Ward, on September 4, 1968 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Corky is survived by three daughters, Tracy Jo Long, Jesi Marie Tatum & husband, Josh Tatum and Lana Jean "George" Yates Smith. Corky had four grandchildren, Kylee Ann "Margaret" Smith, Bella Rae "Maggie" Smith, Jarrett Lyle "Woodrow Splinter" Tatum, one step-granddaughter, Jolee Ann Tatum and one brother, Billy Ray "Butch" Yates.
Corky was greeted by several loved ones awaiting him in heaven but will be truly missed by hundreds here on earth. Funeral services will be held at The Yates Cemetery in Pawhuska, OK on Friday June 24, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. Dinner following immediately after.
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