Former Carroll County Commissioner Richard Yates passed away on Monday, March 5 at Carroll Hospice’s Dove House in Westminster.  He was 86 years old.

Mr. Yates moved to Carroll County in 1963 and became involved in politics. He served as President of the Board of County Commissioners from 1994 to 1998.  During his tenure, the Oklahoma Middle School was built to relieve the overcrowding in the southern portion of the county school district.  He was very proud of this new middle school.

Also during his tenure, the Board adopted the county’s first Adequate Public Facilities and Concurrency Management Ordinance in order to better manage the county’s budget and plan for future infrastructure needs.

Mr. Yates served and fought in World War II.  He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry Medal for injuries he received at the Battle of La Haye du Puits, which lasted six days.

 Former Commissioner Yates was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He will be sorely missed.  Flags will fly at half mast in Carroll County for the remainder of this week.