William Yates, Sr.

William Leonard “Bill” Yates, Sr. of La Plata, MD, died on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Charlotte Hall, MD. He was 84 years old. Born on February 7, 1925, in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Mary Naomi Herbert Yates and the late William Oswald Yates. Being raised in Newport, Bill attended the Charlotte Hall Military Academy. In 1942, he began serving in the U. S. Navy during World War II. He served on the U.S.S. Boise, the U.S.S. St. Louis and the U.S.S. Decatur. He was Honorably Discharged in 1946 at the rank of Watertender Second Class and was awarded the European Theater Ribbon, the American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Medal. Upon his return from the service, Bill worked for Medal Gold Ice Cream and then later for Koester Bread in Waldorf. He then worked as Manager at Martin’s Exxon in La Plata, MD. He later worked as a resident Manager with his wife at a motel in Ocean City. For a short time after, they lived in Snow Hill, MD, before returning to La Plata. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Archbishop Neale Council and a life member of the American Legion Post 82 in La Plata. Bill was a life-long parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He had a good sense of humor and never met a stranger. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Jeanne Elaine Yates, and his sister Eloise S. Maynard. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann Yates; daughter, Maribeth Furbush and her husband John of Rock Point, MD; sons, Bill Yates and his fiancée Karen Upperman of Lothian, MD; Bart Yates and his wife Susan of La Plata, MD; grandchildren, Brandi Owens and her husband Lance, Dana Harding and her husband Brian and Julia Atkinson; great grandchildren Karli Owens, Madison Owens, Samuel Harding and Rachel Harding. Also survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation on Thursday, April 23, 2009, from 4PM to 8PM with Prayers at 7PM at the Raymond Funeral Service, P.A., 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, MD. Mass of Christian Burial to be offered on Friday, April 24, 2009, at 10:30AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, La Plata, with the Reverend Ron Potts officiating. Interment to follow at the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, Activities Department, 29449 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 or Hospice of St. Mary’s, P. O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

William Yates, Sr.

February 7, 1925 - April 21, 2009