Tony W. Yates, 63, passed away on June 21, 2026, in Dixon, Illinois.

Tony was born on September 1, 1962, in Aurora, Illinois, the son of Harold and Eleanor (Zinzer) Yates.

Tony had a passion for collecting coins and had a deep appreciation for music, especially polka music. He enjoyed listening to many different styles of music and loved playing his harmonica. Whether it was dancing to a favorite tune or sharing music with family and friends, Tony found joy in bringing smiles to those around him. He was well known for his fun-loving personality and mischievous sense of humor, often getting himself—and more than a few of his nieces and nephews—into a little harmless trouble. Tony never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel like a friend. To many, he truly was everyone’s best friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Scotty Yates and Richard Yates.

Tony is survived by one brother, Harold Yates of Orlando, Florida; three sisters, Jacalyn (William) Birdwell of Lindenwood, Illinois, Rene (David) Harper of Fort Myers, Florida, and Kimberly Wagner of Paw Paw, Illinois. He is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and great-nephews, and other extended family members.

The family would also like to recognize Carla Grove, Tony’s longtime girlfriend, for her love, friendship, and companionship throughout the years.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle. Private burial will take place Lincoln Memorial Park in Aurora, Illinois.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.