Balden “Bobby” Yates, 83, passed away on March 7, 2026. He was born on November 3rd, 1942, in San Diego, California to Bobby Yates and Violet Morgan. He lived in Doyline, Louisiana with his wife Mary Lou Doran Yates.

A proud country boy who loved the outdoors. Some favorite memories included deer hunting and fishing, teaching the kids, grandkids and great grandkids to track a deer or set yo-yos at sunrise on Lake Bistineau. Those quiet mornings in the deer stand or on the water were where his soul felt most alive. Other pastime activities included dancing at the VFW where he met his current wife, Mary. Some of his most transformative years came from this set of friends.

Bobby got a second chance at parenting when he raised grandchild, Chelsea Gregory, and a great grandchild Chase Boutwell. This gave him a great sense of pride in watching these two grow up.

Bobby was a professional pool player for over 20 years. In later years Bobby owned and operated many businesses, his favorite being Quick Cash Pawn and Loan.

Bobby found a new love for life dancing and spending time at the VFW. The past decade Bobby was the life of the party dancing at the VFW. While courting his current wife he could be heard singing to Mary, “I love you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck…”.

Bobby is survived by his wife Mary Lou Doran Yates, his daughter Sandra Yates Berry; and other grandchildren Chelsea Gregory, Gasper Riggio Jr, Ray Riggio, Annette Gary, Loring Marie Williams, Christopher Giovanni, Joseph Pusloskie and numerous great grandchildren; and sisters Becky Crepelle (Jules), Linda Gorman, and JoDee Morgan; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of friends and colleagues whose lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby Yates and Violet Morgan, his sister Belda Olguin, his son Rocky Yates, and his daughter Amanda Yates.

Gifts can be given to Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church (211 Pilgrim Rest Church Rd, Doyline, LA 71023) in memory of Bobby Yates or a charity of your choice.