Thomas Mark (Tommy) Yates

Age 78, a 54-year resident of Los Lunas, went to be with His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ early Thursday morning August 15, 2013. He is survived by his brothers William (Billy) Yates (Ingrid) and Lemuel (Shorty) Yates (Sandy); and his step-brother Pat Morgan (Joy); his children Susan Hayes (JT), Sharon Powell (Victor), David Yates (Venetia), and Rick Yates (Rhonda); his grandchildren Dusty Cox (Becca), Clay Cox (Desiree'), Phillip Cox (Kelli), Jesse Yates (Darcy), Andrew Powell (Danielle), Rachael Chisholm (David), Micah Yates (LeAnne), Cory Yates (Pege'), Katie Villareal (Joe), Meghan Sanchez (Jeremy), Hannah Salazar (Andrew), and Kimmee Yates; and 25 great-grandchildren with one on the way. Also surviving are his brother-in-law and sister-in law Don and Georgia George; his nieces and nephews; and dear friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents William Yates and Jewell Yates Morgan and step-father Henry Morgan, his step-brothers Boyd Morgan, step - sister Mary Ethel ('Sister') Dennison, and the love of his life Arzetta Ann Yates. Tom was born in Springer, NM in 1935 and was raised on a ranch near Roy and Yates, NM, until about the age of 10. His father passed away leaving Tom's mother with 3 young boys. The years ahead brought a merging of two families, more ranching and an eventual move to Albuquerque, NM. During their freshman year at Highland High School Tom met Arzetta Corn, thus beginning their courtship and life together. They married in 1953 eventually settling in Los Lunas where they raised four children, several generations of Simmental cattle, and hosted numerous family, friend and church gatherings; their home was an inviting and joyful place to be. Tom and Arzetta were also the founders of Alpha Southwest, Inc. in 1964, in Albuquerque. Tommy and Arzetta's lives' are reflected in the legacy of their faith in the Lord, their love and joy in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with whom they were deliberate in visiting and spending time together; even a simple meal was always an occasion! One year Tommy and Arzetta surprised their kids and grandkids with a Christmas cruise on Disney's Big Red Boat and all the family fondly remembers this trip, as well as many, many other special times together. Faith, family, friendships and travel to both old and new places were the focus of their lives, and they found wonder in exploring God's creation, embracing life, and watching their family learn, grow and discover. Tommy lost his dear Arzetta 12 years ago leaving a big void in his life, but he found great joy in the family they shared together. Pallbearers will be Greg Dutton, Dusty Cox, Clay Cox, Phillip Cox, Jesse Yates, Andrew Powell, Micah Yates and Cory Yates. Friends may visit Sunday, August 18, 2013, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., at FRENCH - University. Funeral services will be Monday, August 19, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., First Baptist Church of Los Chavez, 9 Los Chavez Park Rd., Belen, NM, 87002. Burial will be at 1:00 PM, Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Tom's name to the First Baptist Church of Los Chavez, address above.