Thomas Yates Keesler, 69, an Asheville-area resident for more than a quarter-century, died Sunday, March 16, 2025, at FirstHealth Hospital in Pinehurst after a long struggle with cancer.

YATES, THOMASDenver. Son of Margaret Yates, Kansas City, KS; brother of Lillie (Chester) Owens, Alice (Reverend Jimmie) Banks, both of Kansas City, KS and John W. (Faye) Yates, III, Kansas City ...

Though Yates’ fastball — which he throws 60 percent of the time — averages just 93.2 mph, he generates plenty of swing-and-miss in the strike zone on the pitch to stay effective, as Thomas ...