Oliver Arthur Yates, 79, of Springfield formerly of Paris passed away at 4:20 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2019 in St. John's Hospital in Springfield, called to be in the loving arms of Jesus. He is now free of disease having been eternally healed by the ultimate healer.

Known as "Stretch" by his family, friends and former classmates, he was recognized in 2013 as one of the top 25 boys basketball players in the history of Paris High School. He played for Coach Ernie Eveland at Paris High School and at Arkansas State University. He was recognized as one of the top scorers in PHS history scoring 738 points. He was also instrumental in beginning the push to have the former Paris High School named in honor of Coach Ernie Eveland. Stretch wrote a letter to the Paris 95 school board and the Beacon-News urging the school board to honor the coach.

Stretch influenced hundreds of students and players over the years as a junior high and high school basketball coach, history teacher and drivers education teacher. He taught and coached at Hindsboro, Newman, Mulberry Grove and several other Illinois schools.

Coach Yates was always a favorite teacher and coach which made him seem bigger than life because everyone knew him. He was a giver and willing to help anyne who needed it

Stretch was absolutely the best Dad anyone could have ever asked for and was a beloved son, brother, husband, father and loved so much as a grandfather.

Born June 28, 1940 in Paris, the son of the late Paul A. and Mary Catherine Hardy Yates, in addition to coaching young players as an educator, Stretch encouraged boys in the Elm Street neighborhood to play basketball on the Tanner School playground.

Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Stretch married Debra Williams Yates on July 25, 1969 in Danville, and she survives.  Other survivors include his children: Paul "Rowdy" (Leah) Yates of Springfield, Sarah (Tom) Drone of Mountain Grove, Mo.; his grandchildren: Ashlyn Yates, Kelsey (Mitch) Haddock, TJ Drone, Olivia Yates, Elizabeth Yates, Sarah Yates, Daniel Yates, Julia Yates, Anna Yates and Karolyn Yates; his siblings Katie (Jack) Forsythe and Robin (Karl) Lenhart, both of Terre Haute, Ind. He was preceded in death by a daughter Allison.

All services are private. Memorials may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

For more information and online condolences please go to www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com.