Chief Master Sargent Lennis D. Yates

Chief Master Sargent Lennis D. Yates, Retired, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family, at the age of 87 years, 5 months and 15 days. Lennis was born on May 18, 1926 in Utica, Oklahoma to Rea Daniel and Gladys Bessie (Griffin) Yates. Lennis proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, serving in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Lennis was honorably discharged on February 28, 1975 after 32 years of service. Lennis married Nima Mae Billy on October 20, 1947. In 1997 he married Louise Conditt. Lennis was a member of the Elks Lodge, VFW and was a big supporter of Boys Town, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Texas State Trooper Association. Lennis dearly loved his family, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and he enjoyed camping and fishing. Lennis was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Nima Yates; second wife Louise Yates; son Jimmy Yates; great grandson Gage Johnson and brothers Bob, Connie and Jessie Yates. Loved ones left behind to cherish Lennis’s memory are his children Danny Yates and wife Michelle of Edmond, OK, Winona Johnson of Durant, OK, Theresa Lavelle of Dover, Delaware, Ramona Massie and husband Brent of Denison, TX and David Yates of Houston, TX; sisters Betty Henkes and husband Johnny of Houston, TX and Mary Randolph and husband Ronnie of Winsborough, TX; brothers Anthony Yates of Krum, TX and Tommy Yates and wife Paula of Durant, OK; 14 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren and numerous other family and friends. The family would like to thank Shelly Wingate Johnson for all the years of loving care and special thanks and appreciation to Jennifer, Tina, Gina, Donna, Chaplin Jessie West and the staff of Sunshine Hospice for extraordinary loving care and support. Services to celebrate the life of CM/Sargent Yates will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, November 8, 2013 at Brown’s Funeral Service Chapel. Pete Wilson will officiate. Interment with full Military Honors will be in Highland Cemetery with grandchildren Michael Johnson, Brent Yates, Capt. Clint Yates, Heather Yates, James Ryan Carmichael and brother Anthony Yates serving as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home on Thursday, November 7, 2013 from 6-8 PM. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownsfuneralservice.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service, Durant. PDF Printable Version

Chief Master Sargent Lennis D. Yates

May 18, 1926 - November 2, 2013