Harry Oswald Yates, Sr., of Marie, WV, went to be with his Lord, resting in the finished work of Jesus Christ, on May 11, 2026, at Pine Lodge Nursing Home in Beckley, WV. He was 103 years old.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter B. and Esta Woodrum Yates of Marie.  He is survived by his wife and sweetheart of 68 years, Doris Light Yates of Marie, WV; son, Harry O. Yates, Jr., daughter-in-law, Ginny, granddaughter, Sarah Catherine, and grandson, Jackson, all of Hurricane, WV.

Oswald, as he was known, was born in Marie, WV, in Summers County, on January 22, 1923. He grew up on a farm just across the county line in Monroe County where he lived his entire life. He was a graduate of Greenville High School and is believed to be the last living member of the class of 1942.

He served his country in WWII as a member of the  3rd Armored Division, 33rd Regiment (Spearhead) under the command of Major General Maurice Rose. He served as his company jeep driver, keeping the officers in contact with and in proximity to the tanks of his company. He was involved in the Battle of the Bulge and was wounded in action soon after the 33rd crossed eastward over the Rhine River.  He was awarded the Purple Heart and was discharged with the rank of "Tech Corporal" (T/5).

Oswald was a retired farmer. He was a gifted mechanic and became the parts-manager for Tri-County Equipment Corp. in Rich Creek, VA, a Ford farm equipment dealership, where he spent his entire career from the day the dealership opened until the doors closed the last time.

As a lifelong member of the New Hope United Methodist Church in Marie, he served as its treasurer for over 50 years as well as being a trustee.

He was a charter member of the Marie Ruritan Club and served alongside its members and the women of the Marie Friendship Club to serve their neighbors and community.

Oswald was an avid reader his entire life, with an interest in many subjects. He enjoyed a good story and loved to laugh and tease.  His mind remained sharp and was able to give advice on small-engine repair up to only weeks ago.  He could fix most anything. He loved to go on walks with his family.

The family would like to thank their friends and neighbors of Marie and elsewhere for their many kindnesses, service and love.

Sincere thanks to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for providing medical care and services over his lifetime. Thanks as well as to Hospice of Southern West Virginia and their amazing nurses and CNAs.

Special thanks are due to Pine Lodge Nursing Home (Genesis) in Beckley, WV, and the kind and generous staff for their loving care over these past eleven months and for hosting Oswald's 103rd birthday celebration in January. He was celebrated by staff, fellow residents, family and friends, fellow veterans and honored guests.  He received over 103 birthday cards from around the country.

For many years, Oswald and Doris participated in the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Outreach, a ministry of Samaritan's Purse, where they collected clothing items, school supplies, and toys which were packed in "shoeboxes" along with the Gospel message and distributed to children around the world. They joined other church members in transporting the boxes to the collection center in Boone, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to Samaritan's Purse.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday May 16, 2026 at New Hope Methodist Church at Marie with Pastors Mike Tabor and Barrett Jordan officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in New Hope Cemetery at Marie. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at the church.