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Obituary for Donald A. Yates
Donald A. Yates, age 84 of Lapeer, Michigan, passed away on September 26, 2021, with family at his bedside comforting him. Donald is survived by his children: Debra Matthews, Susan Kluck, husband Lawrence, Michael Yates, wife Jutta and Kathryn Bolton; grandchildren: Sean Matthews, David Matthews (Rebecca), Lynsey Ridley (Ben), Taylor Matthews, Nicole Yates, James Yates, Aaron Kluck (Alea), Andrew Kluck (Alicia), Anna Wells (Jeffery) and Alec Kluck (Emily); great-grandchildren: Brandon English, Ethan English, Tayte Ridley, Jasper Ridley, Killian Ridley, Logan Matthews, Meah Matthews, Lily Mathews, Amelia Matthews, Addelyn Kluck, Ari Kluck, Adrian Kluck, Eden Kluck and Calvary Kluck; brothers: Gordon Yates; sisters: Nancy Yates Proceeded in death by his wife Frances Rea Yates; mother Ruth Yates; father Olen Yates; brothers Gerald Yates, Larry Yates and Bill Yates; sister, Beverly Chisnel (Yates) and son-in-law and friend Daniel Matthews.
Our beloved father grew up in Birmingham Michigan in the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s when Birmingham was just a small town filled with modest homes and farm fields. Our father proudly retired from Detroit Edison having worked his way up from sweeping floors as a young man to his life long career as a Service Planner. He attended Lawrence Technological University while also working two jobs to support his young family. Our Dad loved body building as a youth, refurbishing cars and he loved music. Florida was a place my father took us as children, working 24 hour shifts during winter storms to earn the funds to go. Our father loved spending time at the lake with family and loved helping with projects; he loved his family. Sadly, our father struggled with alcoholism for much of his life until a little light, God, and much prayer helped him to choose sobriety. After our mothers' passing, our father began attending Faith Christian Family Church where our mother spent many years interceding for our fathers' sobriety and soul; praise be to God hallelujah answered prayers! Towards the end of his life our father suffered from Parkinson and Dementia, but in a way it was a kind of gift in that it allowed him to smile without being self-conscious, express so much gratitude to everyone who helped him and say I love you unabashedly. Our fathers' life was cut short, but his spirit lives on in Heaven with Jesus, all the angels, and loved ones that have gone before him. We will see you again in heaven Dad, what a celebration we will have! Love you eternally.
Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors - Capstick Chapel in Lapeer. A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 22nd at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Lapeer. Pastor Larry Kluck will officiate. Memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation or the Parkinson's Foundation are appreciated.
