Charles "Charlie" Roger Yates, II

Charles “Charlie” Roger Yates, II of Gagetown, age 61, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026 while at United Hospice of Marlette. He was born on November 7, 1964 in Cass City, the son of Charles Roger Yates I and Hazel Marie Kelley. Charlie attended Caro High School and, as he entered young adulthood, discovered a deep passion for riding motorcycles and rode all over Michigan.

A true jack-of-all-trades, Charlie was rarely one to sit still and was always willing to try his hand at something new. He spent several years working at Huron Castings in Pigeon, where he poured molten metal. Foundry work was demanding, but Charlie had a way of making even the hardest jobs look easy. He later spent many years behind the wheel of a semi for the Michigan Sugar Company.

He had an undeniable gift for persuasion and could talk people into things most wouldn't even think to ask for. One family trip to Alabama became the perfect example when Charlie left home on a motorcycle, but during a stop at a truck stop, he struck up a conversation with someone who had a van. In true Charlie fashion, he proposed a trade. Somehow, by the end of the encounter, the other person had agreed, and Charlie continued as the proud new owner of that van. It was the kind of story that captured his personality perfectly. Which was spontaneous, convincing, and always ready to see where life might take him.

Charlie enjoyed meeting people and could strike up a conversation just about anywhere. He especially enjoyed playing pool at local pubs, where the conversation was every bit as important as the game itself. He had a way of connecting with people and enjoyed the friendships and familiar faces he encountered along the way.

At home, Charlie had a special place in his heart for his beloved dog, Lady Bug, whom he adored and doted on often. He loved a good meal and was never one to turn down something delicious. Of all his favorites, his son-in-law's homemade lasagna was hard to beat. If it was being served, Charlie was always ready for a helping.

Charlie lived life with curiosity, personality, and a willingness to try just about anything. Whether he was riding a motorcycle, working a difficult job, spending time with Lady Bug, or talking his way into his next unexpected adventure, Charlie had a knack for making life interesting.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Candy (Jeremy) Mook, Elizabeth (Kary) Kerr; grandchildren, Dakotah McComb, James Mook, Ebony Mook, Nicole Stiltner, Steven Kerr, Brandon Kerr, Justin Kerr, Marguerite Fisher; great-grandchildren; Marceline Stiltner, Donald Stiltner, Eli Kerr, Forrest Fisher; mother, Hazel Marie Kelley; sister, Tonya (Matthew) Carter; aunts, Donna Matthews, Vicky Kelley, and Winnie (Chuck) Collins; and uncle, Bob (Kumpu) Kelley. In addition to his father, Charlie was preceded in death by his stepfather, Dave Neahusan; and uncles, Paul Matthews and Ed Kelley.

Charlie’s memorial service will be on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Ransford Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Michele Hile officiating. The family will be present to receive visitors on Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of his service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o Hazel Kelley, 205 West Sherman St., Caro, MI 48723.