Community leaders in shock over Box Elder County Sheriff’s death

The sheriff of Box Elder County has died, a day after being sworn into office to begin his third term.

County Commissioner Stan Summers said 68-year-old Sheriff Joseph Lynn Yeates was found dead at his home Tuesday morning, after not showing up to work.

Summers spoke to Yeates just before Monday’s swearing in ceremony, and said he is still in shock, learning of his death.

“We had just redone our old courtroom to our new commission chambers,” said Summers. “He was commenting how nice it looked and I looked at him in his dress whites and I kind of jabbed him and said ‘you know, you look really good for an old guy.’ He grinned and I looked at him and said ‘here your are, taking care of your promise to your wife.’ He just gave me that little grin and you could see a tear kind of well up in his eyes. He had just promised his wife that he would continue on and be sheriff again.”

Summers said Yeates passed away exactly two-months after his wife, Lynda Yeates died November 5.

Yeates had been with the sheriff’s office since 1978, including the last eight years as sheriff.

Summers said Yeates loved his job and was really good keeping the commissioners informed about what was going on in the county.

“If there was something, anywhere from a water leak that was people’s health, wealth and safety, he would call me on those types of things,” said Summers. “He was very good at just keeping the commissioners abreast of what was going on in his community.”

Kevin Potter, the sheriff’s chief deputy, said in a statement that Yeates died of natural causes.

The vacancy left by Joseph Yeates’ death will be filled through a special election.

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