After graduation at age 20, Yates got a job as the principal of a school that was located in Deseret, Utah. He was also put in charge of schools in other Utah communities including Oasis, Delta, and Hinckley. After some time, Yates returned to BYA. Due to changed graduating requirements, he graduated again in 1895. While at BYA, he met Lydia Horne. The couple planned to get married in 1895; however, Yates received an assignment to serve as a missionary for the LDS Church. He decided to serve, and married Lydia on March 20, 1895 before leaving on his mission. Yates left June 1, 1895 and served for three years in the Southern States Mission, returning on July 6, 1898.