Csm Garner Yates

CSM Garner R. “Rowdy” Yates, Sr., (ret.) 89 of Chambersburg, passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born Friday, July 29, 1932 in Aily, VA, he was a son of the late Garland J. and Crisse Alafair Counts Yates.

Garner grew up in rural Virginia mostly on a hardscrabble farm with nine brothers and four sisters. He spent his childhood working on the family farm until 17 when he left high school and enlisted in the Army. Garner’s Army career lasted 30 years; he retired as a Command Sergeant Major. During his time in the Army, his duty assignments included the Continental United States (CONUS), Korean War, France, Korea, Vietnam War, and Alaska. During his military career, he was awarded numerous medals including the Legion of Merit and two Bronze Stars. He loved to travel and experience the country by motor home in retirement with his wife Fay.

He is survived by one son, Garner R. (Elizabeth) Yates, Jr, Hague, VA; one daughter, Michelle D. (Nelson) Wenger, Newburg; five grandchildren, Joshua (Christa) Wenger, Jonathan Wenger, Lora (Cory) Estep, Shauna May, and Stephanie May; ten great grandchildren; one sister, Dimple Yates; and two brothers, Bobby and Charles Yates.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Fay L. Yates, who passed away May 9, 2014; one daughter, Leisa May; one granddaughter, Lydia Hope; seven brothers; and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 3, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. in the Letterkenny Army Chapel, with Rev. Joshua Wenger officiating. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery, with full Military Honors. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Letterkenny Army Chapel, P.O. Box 1052 FCVP, Chambersburg, PA 17201.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.fogelsanger-brickerfunerahome.com.