Coeburn, Virginia                                                          May 12, 2026

Robert Lowell Yates, 77, husband to Elizabeth "Lib" Daugherty Yates, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 11, 2026.

He was the son of the Late Tucker and Lydia Yates, He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Richard (R.C.) and Carl Ray Yates, and a sister, Marie Childress.

Lowell was a retiree from the Clinchfield Coal Company, where he was a coal tipple operator for many years. He was a member of the McClure Pentecostal Church, a member of the UMWA and the McClure Kiwanis.

In addition to his loving wife, Lib, he will be deeply missed and remembered by his daughters, Donna Yates of Coeburn and Debbie Yates (Terry) of Coeburn; his granddaughters, Jessica Sykes Baldwin (Sonny) of Coeburn and Caitlyn Yates of Abingdon; as well as other friends and family too numerous to list.

His compassion and kind heart touched many lives, especially his granddaughters, and through them his example will live on. His boundless generosity provided a guiding light for all of us to follow.

The family will receive friends Thursday, May 14, 2026, 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the Sturgill Funeral Home 310 6th Street NW Coeburn. UMWA Honor Team will provide service before funeral services. Funeral Services will follow with Pastor Greg Edwards officiating. Graveside Services will be conducted at 11 A.M. Friday, May 15, 2026, Yates Family Cemetery Carter Stanley Highway. Family and Friends will meet at the funeral home 10 A.M. Friday to go in procession to the cemetery. Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to sign guest register book online. Sturgill Funeral Homes 310 6th Street NW Coeburn, Virginia 24230 in charge of arrangements.