CLARK COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN) — The community gathered to remember the life and legacy of Deputy Matthew Yates.
Matthew Yates was killed in the line of duty Sunday, July 24. The 41-year-old deputy was responding to an incident at a Clark County mobile home when he was shot. He was later taken to Miami Valley Hospital where he died.
The full funeral coverage will be available in the video player above.
A visitation was held at First Christian Church on Middle Urbana Road Sunday, July 31 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to an obituary. The funeral service was held on Monday, August 1 at 12 p.m. Yates was laid to rest at the Ferncliff Cemetery Mausoleum.
Several law enforcement agencies in the Miami Valley have offered their condolences to Yates’ family. Police lined up for a final salute when he was removed from the hospital, and held a procession Monday afternoon.
Local law enforcement officers who knew Yates spoke about their memories of working with him.
“Matthew was the kindest person I know,” said Clark County Sheriff Deb Burchett.” He was a brute on the outside, but a gentle giant on the inside.”
“Matthew, we all love you,” she said. “You will never be gone – you will always be in our hearts. We have it from here. Please rest peacefully.”
Sergeant Chad Stalder also spoke.
“I will cherish the time I got to work with him,” he said.
“No one will ever be able to replace him,” Stalder said. “Buddy, I love you, I will miss you, and I’m gonna end with one more: Yo Yo Matt Yates! Rest in peace my friend, till we meet again.”
His sons spoke about how Yates raised them, and how much they looked up to him.
“At times I would compare him to my favorite childhood hero – the Incredible Hulk,” one of his sons said. “He was a big man and he was a hero. He did anything he could to help anyone, no matter what their situation was.”
For more information on funeral arrangements, click here.
