An icon in local radio, Chuck Yates, would have been 68 years old today. It sounds strange to say that since he was always considered a “teenager” by all who knew him.  Chuck passed away on December 19, 2013. One can only wonder what would have gone on during his morning radio show today if he were still with us. I guarantee it would have been fun because that is what Chuck was all about. For those who never got to hear him or know him he was born on this date, August 5, 1948,  in Sparta, Illinois.  Chuck was the son of Stephen and Trannie Burt Yates. Chuck loved music. He either was either playing it on the air or making music playing the bass guitar in local bands like The Strata Kats, Lil' Ronnie & the Impersonators and Mike & Company.

Chuck, a Quincy High School graduate, was a fixture in local media. He began his career in at WGEM Radio and in 1968 helped to launch KGRC Radio where he worked until 1990. Chuck also worked at WTAD and KHQA.  Back in 2000, Chuck helped launch WPWQ "The Oldies 106.7" where he had the popular morning show "Chuck & Karen in the Morning".  Later he continued the morning show with Dave “Chickenman” Comer.

Chuck retired in 2007 and when he did, local radio lost one of the best. I know there are still only 19 candles on your cake today. Happy birthday Chuck, we all miss you!

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