Elmer Yates 1931-2012

YATES MITCHEM LIAS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/4/2012 at 13:25:02

Sioux City Journal
October 31, 2012

SIOUX CITY | Elmer Yates formerly of Sioux City went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 18, 2012, at St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson, Ariz.

Elmer was born on June 17, 1931, in Upland, W.V., to Benjamin and Maggie Yates, joining 12 siblings. Elmer found the Lord at 17 years old, in a little Baptist church, that changed his life forever.

Elmer married Lorna Mitchem in 1950. In 1952, he entered the U.S. Army and was stationed at Seward, Alaska. While he was stationed there, he worked at Jesse Lee Children's Home doing missionary work.

Elmer received his credentials and was ordained into the Iowa Assembly of God. From 1969 to 1971, Elmer pastored Correctionville Assembly of God in Correctionville, Iowa. From 1971 to 1982, Elmer founded and pastored Central Assembly of God in Sioux City. During this time, Elmer founded and pastored This Old House Ministries for young people who wanted to get off drugs, or disciplining their lives to follow the Lord using the Bible.

Elmer married Linda Lias in 1983. From 1983 to 1989, Elmer founded Rawhide Valley Chapel, continuing to pastor and help young adults to follow the Lord. He retired in 1989, continuing teaching Bible classes at the Sioux City Gospel Mission. In 1996, Elmer and Linda moved to Sierra Vista, Ariz., to enjoy the sunshine.

He led a happy life and was thankful for the blessings that God provided for his last years.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Linda Yates of Sierra Vista; two daughters; one son; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one brother, Gene Yates.