Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 18, 2011, at New Covenant Christian Church, 12000 North Rockwell Ave, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Rev. Carlyle Yates, 86, was taken home peacefully on July 12 following a progressive illness. His life was dedicated to serving the Lord and those around him as a Minister and Teacher.

He was born in Junction City, Kansas, on August 22,1924. As a teenager he committed himself to what became a lifelong passion serving people through the ministry. He attended seminary at Phillips University in Enid, Christian Theological Seminary, at Butler University in Indianapolis, and the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. His ministries included Broadway Christian Church in Wichita, Kansas, First Christian churches in Coatsville, Indiana, Frederick, OK, Orlando, OK, Claremore, OK, Yukon, Ok, and Indiana Avenue in Oklahoma City. He was a charter member of the New Covenant Christian church in OKC beginning in 1978 where he also served as Associate Minister and full-time interim pastor. After his retirement from full time ministry, he continued to serve in the regional church with Disciples Men's work and was the First Vice Moderator of the regional church for several years. He served on the Board of Directors of theOklahoma Christian Home for 8 years. Late in life he started an additional career as he earned a Master's degree in Education from Oklahoma City University and taught Oklahoma History and Civics for 15 years at Hefner Junior High, where he reached thousands of students. He was fondly known for wearing a different, often outrageous tie every day of the school year.

Carlyle's life was not defined by positions and possessions, but rather by constantly learning and teaching, raising a family and the day-to-day service to others. Upon retirement from teaching and preaching, he gave himself even more to his constant volunteer work in the church and community, his visitation in hospitals and nursing homes, and his multiple musical endeavors. He was a brilliant musician who was never formally trained but was gifted with the ability to pick up almost any instrument and play by ear. He began his musical skills by playing band in high school and college and then used his talents throughout his life in worship services and programs, many summer youth camps, Christian conferences and in the Nichols Hills Band in his later years. Carlyle, or 'Preacher' to many, was especially proud of his family's growth and accomplishments, and of his own efforts to build many congregations and three new churches throughout his ministry. He was married for 35 years to the mother of his children, Lois (Strong) until she died from cancer in 1983. He was then married for 25 years to Beverly (Kroutil) who loved and supported him in the retirement years and ultimately through his difficult battle with Alzheimers. He will be greatly missed by his large extended family, and by the thousands of church members and students he served over the years. He enjoyed a wonderful, productive, long life well beyond expectations from his humble beginnings. His legacy of good work will continue through his family and friends. Surely he will be greatly rewarded for his obedience and service to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A memorial celebration of Carlyle's life will be held Monday July 18, 11 a.m. at the New Covenant Christian Church, 12000 N. Rockwell Ave, OKC.

Donations can be made to the New Covenant Christian Church or the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) - Alzheimers, 825 NE 13th #12, OKC, OK 73104, (405) 271-7400 (OMRF.org)

Carlyle is survived by his wife Beverly and his children Alan Yates and wife Linda, Seattle, Dr. Carlan Yates and wife Debi, Edmond, Dr. Gaylan Yates and wife Pam, Edmond, and Joy McCarthy and husband Michael, Kailua Hawaii, and Beverly's children, Dr. Bob Kroutil and wife Bettie, Santa Fe NM, Shelley and husband Jim Kilpatric, Springfield MO, - as well as by his sister, Virginia Williams –Dallas, and by 15 loving grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

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