Nick Yates

Nicholas Paul Mario Yates, 18, of Marquette Heights, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016 at home. He was born Oct. 17, 1997 in Peoria and is survived by his parents, Linda Wheatley and Kirk (and Barbara) Yates. Also surviving are his grandfather, Lou Basso; his siblings, Louie Yates, Grace Wheatley, Geoff Duval, Skye, Parke, and Madison Wheatley and Alec Gebhart. Nick has many loving aunts, uncles and cousins as well as a large extended family. Certainly last but not least are his beloved pets, Sookie, Mr. Wilson, Hope and Rosie. Nick was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joan Basso and Ray and Marla Layton. We know he is in their loving arms again. Our Nick was a unique guy. He was born with an old soul, which meant he could be a grumpy old man too. Quiet by nature, Nick had a sharp mind, a quick wit and a wicked sense of humor. He was a charmer with a mop of blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes. He looked a lot like his Nanny, but he had his uncle Paul’s profile. Nick was in a wheelchair at an early age so he wasn’t able to be physically active. He put his mind to other things and was a wonderful artist, he loved to draw and paint. He and Zach Riter, Nick’s partner-in-crime and best friend are gamers. They played as much as they could get away with, always side by side. Nicky loved to read, he could go anywhere in or out of this world when he read. His love for animals was endless, they were his constant and loyal companions his entire life. They all loved him equally. Marvel comics, fried chicken, Ramen Noodles and Frank’s RedHot. Please don’t forget the Frank's…seriously. Going out with his brothers, he loved it all. Above all, he loved being a big brother to his little sister, Grace. With the love and support from Nick’s family and friends he lived a short but full life. The Make-a-Wish Foundation sent the family to Sea World, and he traveled from coast to coast on vacation. Whatever was going on, he was included. He went to concerts, movies, out to Stone Country, camped, fished, you name it. Nick was the center of the family. Nick was so happy at the MDA Summer Camp in Bloomington, Five great summers where he was just like everyone else. Nicky leaves a huge hole in our lives and hearts. He will be SO missed by so many, but he left us all with the greatest gift of all, LOVE…Lots of Love. If you would like to share this love, please consider making a donation to MDA Summer Camp at 102 E Main Street #201, Urbana IL 61801, or to Make A Wish Foundation. Nick would love that. A celebration of life for Nicholas will be held Saturday, October 15th, at 4:00pm at 1927 County Road 905 East, Low Point IL. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria is in charge of arrangements.

Nick Yates

October 17, 1997 - October 5, 2016