Person Page - 1131

     His Social Security Number was 228-01-4863.⁵ Aaron Yeatts Blackard was buried at Oakwood Cemetery, 107 Cemetery Street, Martinsville, Virginia.¹ He Served in the US Army during WWII.¹ He was born on December 24, 1913 at Patrick Co., Virginia.^1,5 He married Vera Davis circa 1944.^1,6 Aaron Yeatts Blackard died on July 1, 1978 at Martinsville, Virginia, at age 64.¹

     Laura Greene Bower was buried at Yates Family Cemetery, near Stonewall Church, one-half mile off 4366 Rt. 221 N., Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,5 She was born on October 16, 1866 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,4,3 She married Flurnoy Gustavus Yates, son of William Anthony Yeatts and Mary Henry Terry Yates, on March 31, 1887 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,5,1 As of March 31, 1887,her married name was Yates. Laura Greene Bower died on June 27, 1948 at Big Lick, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 81.^4,5,1

     Laura Conner was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,4,9 She was born on November 28, 1892 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,4,6,3,9 She married Trigg Mosby Lucas, son of Andrew Jackson Lucas and Priscilla Altizer, on November 13, 1912 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,1,2,4,6,9 As of November 13, 1912,her married name was Lucas. Laura Conner died on August 24, 1956 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 63.^2,4,6,9

     Benton Shelton Blackard married Ethel Wade.¹ His Social Security Number was 225-01-2231.⁶ Benton Shelton Blackard was buried at Roselawn Burial Park, 103 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, Virginia.² He was born on April 6, 1915 at Patrick Co., Virginia.^1,6,2 He married Era Hope Bray on May 20, 1940.^1,2 Benton Shelton Blackard died on February 22, 1991 at Martinsville, Virginia, at age 75.^6,2

     Thomas Dickinson "Tom" T. D." Blackard was buried at Roselawn Burial Park, 103 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, Virginia.^1,3 His Social Security Number was 242-18-4895.⁷ He married Stella Mae Hubbard.^1,3 Thomas Dickinson "Tom" T. D." Blackard was born on April 19, 1917 at Patrick Co., Virginia.^1,7,2,3 He died on September 2, 1985 at Martinsville, Virginia, at age 68.³

     Daisy Ruth Blackard was buried at Alamance Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina.^1,4 She was born on March 18, 1919 at Patrick Co., Virginia.^1,7,4 She married Robah Lonnie Andrews on July 13, 1939 at Martinsville, Virginia.^1,3 As of July 13, 1939,her married name was Andrews.³ Daisy Ruth Blackard died on April 16, 1976 at Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina, at age 57.^7,4

     His Social Security Number was 240-22-4695.⁵ John Peter Blackard was buried at Mountain View Cemetery, Ridgeway, Henry Co., Virginia.³ He married Betty Bowman.¹ John Peter Blackard was born on November 14, 1920 at Patrick Co., Virginia.^1,5,3 He died on September 16, 2006 at Martinsville, Virginia, at age 85.^5,3 He John Blackard, 85, of Ridgeway, died Saturday, September 16, 2006, at Memorial Hospital in Martinsville. He was born on November 14, 1920, in Patrick County to the late Peter Riley Blackard and Amanda Yeatts Blackard. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Betty B. Blackard; six sisters, Daisy Ruth B. Andrews, Gladys B. House, Ima B. Wisener, Lessie B. Paden, Virginia Oneal Blackard and Mary Alice Blackard; and six brothers, Benton Blackard, Alton Blackard, Brooks Blackard, Andrew Blackard, Aaron Blackard and Tom Blackard. Blackard graduated from Alamance High School and Steeds School of Business. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was of the Methodist faith. He retired from Yellow Cab Co., where he was partner with his brother, after 42 years of service. Surviving are one daughter, Marsha Blackard Adams of Ridgeway; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Tuesday at McKee-Stone Funeral Services chapel. Minister Dave Cuthbertson and Pastor Gary Robertson officiated. Burial was in Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Martinsville Henry County SPCA, P.O. Box 326, Collinsville, Va. 24078. on September 22, 2006.³

     Andrew Louis "Curly" "Tobite" Blackard Sr. was buried at Tabernacle United Methodist Church Cemetery, 5601 Liberty Road, Pleasant Garden, Guilford Co., North Carolina.³ His Social Security Number was 239-30-3704.⁷ He Served in WWII as an anti-aircraft gunner in the Navy and was in many campaigns including Iwo Jima.¹ He married Beatrice Rosa Murphy.¹ Andrew Louis "Curly" "Tobite" Blackard Sr. was born on May 28, 1923 at Patrick Co., Virginia.^1,7,3 He died on March 20, 1999 at Julian, Guilford Co., North Carolina, at age 75.^7,2,3

     Georgia Emma Keesee was buried at Harry Cemetery, Falls Mills, Tazewell Co., Virginia.³ She was born on August 16, 1913 at Virginia.^1,3 She died on October 21, 1923 at age 10.³

     Her Social Security Number was 459-38-5652.⁸ Mary Louise Keesee was buried at Green Hill Cemetery, Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina.⁶ She was born on January 13, 1915 at Tazewell Co., Virginia.^6,2,8,3 As of June 24, 1943,her married name was Daniel.⁴ She married Marcus Nathaniel Daniel on June 24, 1943 at Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina.^6,4 Mary Louise Keesee died on April 8, 2004 at Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina, at age 89.^6,8,2 She Mrs. Louise Keesee Daniel, 89, died Thursday, April 8, 2004, at Moses Cone Memorial Hospital. Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. today at Green Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Gerald Primm and the Rev. Mike Jones officiating. Mrs. Daniel was born on Jan. 13, 1915, in Caswell (should be Tazewell) County, Va., a daughter of the late Ed George and Queen Alice Keesee. She retired from St. Leo's Hospital following 15 plus years of service and was a member of Eller Memorial Baptist Church. Survivors include two sisters, Nannie Mae Turner of Greensboro and Betty Lee Fedorka of Baltimore, Md. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Marcus Daniel in 1974. Memorial contributions may be made to Eller Memorial Baptist Church, 1200 Fourth St., Greensboro, NC 27405. on April 9, 2004.⁶

     Nannie Mae Keesee married Hal Nickolas Turner.³ Nannie Mae Keesee was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery, Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina.³ Her married name was Turner. She was born on October 2, 1923 at Falls Mills, Tazewell Co., Virginia.^6,3 She died on March 5, 2009 at Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina, at age 85.^6,3 She GREENSBORO — Mrs. Nannie Mae Keesee Turner, 85, of Greensboro, passed away Thursday evening, March 5, 2009, at her home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 9, at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Nannie Mae was a native of Falls Church, Virginia, but had lived in Greensboro since childhood. She was born on October 2, 1923, to the late George Edward and Queen Alice Yeattes Keesee. Nannie Mae was a graduate of King's Business College and worked in earlier years with Southern Life Insurance Company. She left her career with Southern Life and devoted all her time to raise her children and later her grandchildren. She is gone from among those who loved her most. Her family will always cherish memories of her. She is preceded in death by her husband, Hal Nickolas Turner, who passed away in 1999. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Pickler and husband, Douglas, of Greensboro; son, Eddie Turner and wife, Amy, of Kernersville; grandchildren, Nicholas Turner of Morrisville, N.C., and Terri Turner of Kernersville, and sister, Betty K. Fedorko of Bowie, Maryland. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. tonight, Sunday, at Forbis and Dick North Elm Street Funeral Chapel. Flowers are welcomed or memorials may be made to the , 202 Centreport Drive, Suite 100, Greensboro, NC 27409. on March 8, 2009.³

     His Social Security Number was 238-34-0785.⁶ James Edward "Henny" Keesee was buried at Alamance Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina.⁷ He married Ailiene Gribble.⁴ James Edward "Henny" Keesee was born on September 20, 1924 at Virginia.^3,6 He died on March 16, 1984 at Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina, at age 59.³

     James Noah Warfield Manning was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.² He was born on November 9, 1869 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.² He married Lina Demerca Conner, daughter of Samuel R. "Sam" Conner and Elizabeth Jane King, on September 27, 1894 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 James Noah Warfield Manning died on June 30, 1957 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 87.²

     His Social Security Number was 238-34-0819.⁵ John William Keesee was born on October 30, 1925 at Virginia.^5,2 He died on September 13, 1989 at Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina, at age 63.²

     Her Social Security Number was 245-90-7744.⁴ Carrie Royal Jobe was buried at Green Hill Cemetery, Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina.³ She was born on December 13, 1895 at Guilford Co., North Carolina.^4,2 She married John Frank Yeattes Sr., son of Beverly Arnold Yeattes and Mary Ellen Newman, on December 15, 1920.^1,2,3 As of December 15, 1920,her married name was Yeattes.² Carrie Royal Jobe died on February 17, 1994 at Thomasville, Davidson Co., North Carolina, at age 98.^4,3 She Mrs. Carrie Jobe Yeattes, 98, of 2314 Walker Ave. died Thursday, Feb. 17, 1994, at the Piedmont Retirement Center in Thomasville. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Hanes-Lineberry North Elm Chapel. Burial will be in Green Hill Cemetery. A native of Guilford County, she was the oldest member of Peace United Church of Christ and was a member of Circle 1. Surviving are her son, John F. Yeattes Jr. of Greensboro; and her grandchildren, Jeff Yeattes, Dorn Yeattes, and Annette Yeattes, all of Greensboro. The family will receive friends 7-9 tonight at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Piedmont Retirement Center in Thomasville or to the charity of the donor's choice. on February 18, 1994.³

     Judge John Frank Yeattes Jr. was buried at Green Hill Cemetery, 901 Wharton Street, Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina.⁵ His Social Security Number was 237-28-8925.⁹ He was born on June 6, 1922 at Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina.^2,9,3,5 He married Doris Dorn Jones on August 12, 1950 at Guilford Co., North Carolina.⁴ Judge John Frank Yeattes Jr. died on April 2, 2010 at Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina, at age 87.^9,5

     William Marion Proffit was buried at Proffit Family Burial Ground, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3 He was born on December 28, 1838 at Franklin Co., Virginia.³ He married Barbara Ellen Spangler, daughter of William H. Spangler and Hannah J. Sowers, on January 29, 1860 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ William Marion Proffit William M. Proffit, age 89 died on Saturday Sept. 17, and was buried from his late home, Sunday. The funeral services were conducted by Elder J. M. Dickerson, after which the remains were interred in the family burying ground. He is survived by a wife and the following children: Ernest, Abe, Jeter, John, Jack, Mrs. Willie Janney, Mrs. Delia Broomfield and Mrs. Etta Adkinson. We extend our sympathy to the bereved family. in September, 1927.² He died on September 17, 1927 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 88.^2,3

     George W. Weaver was born in April, 1837 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,2 He married Emmazetta Smith on January 9, 1868 at Floyd Co., Virginia.²

     Cortez Ovell "C. O." Yeatts was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,4 His Social Security Number was 224-09-0768.⁸ He was born on April 3, 1911 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,8,4,6,9 He married Pearlie Mae Carter on April 20, 1935 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,4,5 Cortez Ovell "C. O." Yeatts died on June 25, 1988 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 77.^8,1,4,9

     Mary Opal Yeatts was buried at Woodmere Memorial Park, 2701 Washington Blvd., Huntington, Cabell Co., West Virginia.³ She was born on April 25, 1916 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3 As of December 26, 1936,her married name was Austin.⁴ She married Irvin Grant Austin on December 26, 1936 at Roanoke, Virginia.^3,5,4 As of September, 1963,her married name was Bellville.¹ Mary Opal Yeatts married William Earl "Shantyboat" Bellville in September, 1963.^1,3 Mary Opal Yeatts died on February 5, 2003 at Huntington, Cabell Co., West Virginia, at age 86.³ She Mary Opal Austin Bellville, 86, of Huntington, W.Va., formerly of Roanoke, Va., died at her residence Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2003, at Woodmere Abbey of Remembrance by the Rev. David Chafin. She was born Aug. 25, 1916, in Floyd County, Va., the daughter of the late Otis and Mary Weaver Yeatts. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two husbands, Irvin G. Austin and W. E. (Shantyboat) Bellville, and brother and sister-in-law, C.O. and Pearl Yeatts. She is survived by her son, Gary G. and wife, Regina Austin of Huntington, W.Va; two grandchildren, Dee Chapman of Chesapeake and Grant Austin of Huntington; two great-grandchildren, Chayce and Logan Chapman of Chesapeake, Ohio; nieces and nephews Barbara and Wayne Thomas of Blue Ridge, Va., Jean Wray of Roanoke, Va., and Deleta Bellville of Charleston, W.Va., John Pierson and Jack Pierson of Roanoke, Va., and Eddie Bellville of Charleston, W.Va; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chester and Louise Pierson of Roanoke, Va., and Thelma Bellville, of Charleston, W.Va; and a special friend, Lori Chester of Huntington, W.Va. Visitation will be at 12:30 p.m. Saturday Feb. 7, 2003, at Woodmere Abbey of Remembrance. on February 8, 2003.³

     Her Social Security Number was 231-16-2295.⁵ Daisy Margaret Ellen Sweeney was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,7 She was born on April 26, 1906 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,5 She married Oscar Roy Sweeney Sr., son of John Joshua Sweeney and Elizabeth Sweeney, circa 1924.^7,8 Daisy Margaret Ellen Sweeney died on June 28, 2001 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 95.^7,5 She SWEENEY, Daisy Margaret Ellen, 95, of Floyd, joined her Saviour in Heaven on Thursday, June 28, 2001, where she was also reunited with her loving husband, Oscar Sweeney, Sr; and two grandchildren, Ward Shortt and Mark Sweeney. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Margie and Roger Shortt of Floyd; and her son and daughter-in-law, Oscar Jr. and Mary Nell Sweeney of Christiansburg. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Richard Shortt and wife, Betsy, James Shortt and wife, Grace, Ann Margaret Shortt and husband, George Slusher, and Phillip Sweeney and wife, Linda; great-grandchildren, Scott Shortt, David Shortt, Samuel Shortt, Jonathan Shortt, Reuben Slusher, Anastasia Sweeney, Axel Sweeney, Brandon Sweeney, and Bradley Sweeney; great-great-grandson, Bradley Cameron Sweeney. Daisy is also survived by a sister, Weda Layman of Roanoke. She will also be remembered by those lives she so lovingly touched while in their youth, including Gertha Aldridge of Vinton and Nell Blankenship of Roanoke; and her special nieces, Madeline Shortt and Audrey Poff. Daisy was a charter member of Little River Baptist Church in Floyd, where she served in many capacities, including Adult Sunday School Teacher and Treasurer. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 1, 2001, at 3 p.m. in the Little River Baptist Church, Route 221, Floyd, by the Rev. Berlin Joyce and the Rev. David Johnson. Burial will be in Jacksonville Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Wood Funeral Home on Saturday, June 30, 2001, from 7 to 9 p.m. Donations may be made to Little River Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Building Fund. A special thanks to the employees of Skyline Manor Nursing Home and to Elizabeth Whitlock, Ethel Greenwood, Mary Frances Scott, Madeline Shortt, Audrey Poff, Rev. Richard Thomas, and the many church choirs who helped to care for and / or visited during her stay at Skyline Manor. Arrangements by Wood Funeral Home. on June 29, 2001.⁷

     Major Lee Sweeney Sr. was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.² He was born on April 4, 1902 at Virginia.^4,3 He married Margaret Marie Powell in 1924.^2,8,3 Major Lee Sweeney Sr. died on April 16, 1993 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 91.² He SWEENEY, Major Lee Sr., 91, of Floyd, passed away Friday, April 16, 1993, in a Salem hospital. He was preceded in death by a son, Thomas W. Sweeney. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Powell Sweeney of Floyd; six sons, M. L. Sweeney Jr., W. Bruce Sweeney, both of Floyd, Max E. Sweeney of Roanoke, Jack Sweeney of Christiansburg, W. Barry Sweeney of Floyd, and S. Douglas Sweeney of Troutville; two daughters, Daphine Sowers of Floyd, and Cindy Eanes of Ridgeway, Va; two sisters, Daisy Sweeney of Floyd, Weeda Layman of Roanoke; one half sister, Lula Radford of Floyd; 23 grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Sunday, April 18, 1993, at 3 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Graham Mitchell and Douglas Sweeney officiating. Interment will follow in Jacksonville Cemetery. Friends may call after 1 p.m. Saturday at Gardner Funeral Home where the family will be from 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church in Floyd. on April 17, 1993.²

     Louella Elizabeth Conner was buried at Puckett Cemetery, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁶ She was born on July 13, 1894 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ She married George Washington "Gus" Gearheart, son of George Harvey Gearheart and Sarah Victoria Puckett, on April 9, 1914 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of April 9, 1914,her married name was Gearheart. Louella Elizabeth Conner died on February 16, 1924 at age 29.

     Weda Ruth Sweeney was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.² Her Social Security Number was 225-48-4090.⁷ She was born on June 23, 1909 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,6,2,7 She married William Demetris Layman on March 17, 1932 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,1,2 As of March 17, 1932,her married name was Layman. Weda Ruth Sweeney died on February 8, 2008 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 98.^8,2,7 She Weda Ruth Sweeney Layman, of Roanoke, died peacefully at her home on Friday, February 8, 2008, with her devoted family by her side. Born June 23, 1909, in Floyd, Va., she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all who knew her. Her passion for God and her family marked a life spent loving and giving to others. She was the daughter of the late E. K. and Leilia Sweeney, and preceded in death by her husband, William D. Layman; infant son, Robert Carlton Layman; sister, Daisy; and brothers, Fred, Claude and M.L. Sweeney. Weda was instrumental in founding Layman Candy Company in Salem, Va., with her late husband and worked there well into her 80's. She was a charter member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in 1932 and was the first woman to sit on their church council. At the time of her death she was a member of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. Her lifelong love for her family, church, and friends has been an inspiration to all. Surviving are her daughter, Juanita Layman Neely, of Roanoke; granddaughters, Judy Neely Ross and husband, Mickey, of Salem, Janet Neely Surratt and husband, Harry, of Roanoke, and Jeri Neely Shapiro and husband, Howard, of Roanoke. Also surviving are her great-grandchildren, Scott Thomasson and wife, Mandy, Justin, Jordan and Hollyn Keen, Harrison, Elizabeth and Sarah Surratt and Jason Ross; and grandson-in-law, Kenny Keen, all of Roanoke. Weda also leaves behind many nieces, and nephews of Roanoke and Floyd who have been so faithful to her. Weda's family would like to extend a very special thank you to her loving caregivers, Joyce Vert, Michele and Nicole; and a special thanks to Dr. William Fintel and his staff at Oncology Associates and the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. on February 10, 2008.²

     Dillard Wise Sowers was buried at Red Oak Grove Cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia.² He was born on August 16, 1858 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,1,4 He married Anna Mary "Annie" Spangler, daughter of William H. Spangler and Hannah J. Sowers, on February 8, 1881 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5 Dillard Wise Sowers died on June 3, 1922 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 63.^3,4,6

     Frank Lynworth Yeatts was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk, Virginia.³ His Social Security Number was 229-12-2015.⁵ He married Clara Southerland.³ Frank Lynworth Yeatts was born on September 11, 1913 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,5 He married Mildred Lee Walker on March 11, 1933 at Riner, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^7,8,9 Frank Lynworth Yeatts and an unknown person were divorced on June 16, 1951 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁸ He died on March 2, 1973 at Norfolk, Virginia, at age 59.³

     Martha Alieene Hutton was buried at Greenwood Cemetery (also known as Palouse Cemetery), Palouse, Whitman Co., Washington.^1,6 She was born on June 24, 1897 at Washington.^1,4 She married Franklin Lucas "Frank" Yates, son of John David Yeatts and Ruth Ellen Ingram, on June 20, 1917 at Spokane, Spokane Co., Washington.^1,3,5 As of June 20, 1917,her married name was Yates.⁵ Martha Alieene Hutton died on January 26, 1963 at Moscow, Latah Co., Idaho, at age 65.^1,4

     His Social Security Number was 518-18-8618.⁸ Gilbert Dexter Yates was buried at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens, Coeur d'Alene, Kootenai Co., Idaho.^2,3 He was born on May 13, 1919 at Potlatch, Latah Co., Idaho.^1,8,2,3,4,9 He married Eileen Rose Schanzenbach on May 10, 1942 at Wapato, Yakima Co., Washington.^1,2,10,11 Gilbert Dexter Yates died on October 30, 2008 at Hayden, Kootenai Co., Idaho, at age 89.^8,2,3,9 He YATES, Gilbert Dexter, founder of Yates Funeral Homes, died October 30, 2008 at his home in Hayden, Idaho. Gil was born May 13, 1919 in Potlatch, Idaho to Frank and Martha (Hutton) Yates. At the age of seven his family moved to a farm nine miles north of Potlatch where he attended grade school at the Mountain Home School District in Latah County. He graduated from Potlatch High School in 1938 where he excelled in football and baseball, and then moved to Coeur d'Alene to begin his apprenticeship with the Cassidy Funeral Home. After completing his apprenticeship he was employed by a funeral home in Yakima, Washington, and it was during this time that he met his future wife, Eileen Schanzenbach, who was attending nursing school at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Gilbert attended the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, graduated in 1941, and returned to Coeur d'Alene where he again was associated with the Cassidy Funeral Home. Three months after the outbreak of Pearl Harbor, Gilbert enlisted in the Medical Corps with the U.S. Navy. He and Eileen were married on May 10, 1942 in Wapato, Washington. In December of 1942 he was transferred to overseas duty for two years. After returning from sea duty he served as an instructor at the Hospital Corps School in San Diego until his honorable discharge in 1945. After the war Gilbert returned to Coeur d'Alene and to his profession as a funeral director while obtaining his pilot's license. He purchased the current property on 4th Street and started the Yates Funeral Home in 1952. In 1974 he purchased the Browning Funeral Home in St. Maries, Idaho and then opened the Yates Funeral Home in Hayden in 1978. He sold the family business to his son, Dexter, in 1981 but continued to work with his son and grandson, Eli, for the rest of his life. He was a founding member of the Coeur d'Alene Public Golf Course and a founding member of the CHS Viking Booster Club. He served on the Fair Board and the School Board. Gil was a 60 year member of the Masonic Lodge and a 60 year member of the Lions Club where he served two terms as president and two terms as zone chairman. He was also a member of the V.F.W., the American Legion, the Elks Lodge, the Eagles Lodge, the Hayden Lake Country Club, and was named "Boss of the Year" in 1966. He was past president of the Idaho Funeral Service Association, and the Kootenai County Saddle Club as well as rodeo chairman and arena director for 30 years. Gil was a member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church, having served on every church committee during his 65 years of membership. He enjoyed horseback riding, snowmobiling, golf, and playing cards with his friends. His accomplishments as a leader in community, church, youth, school, athletic, and professional programs are far too numerous to list. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Eileen at the home in Hayden; a son, Dexter Yates and wife, Karen of Hayden; daughters, Patricia Rodriguez and husband, Rico of Post Falls, and Pamela Market and husband, Bruce of Spokane; a sister, Aileen Curtis of Moscow, ID; grandchildren, Jeff Yates of Coeur d'Alene, Eli Yates and wife, Ingrid of Hayden, Matt Ziegler of Walnut Creek, CA, Ben Ziegler and wife, Kim of Coeur d'Alene, Katie Ziegler of Post Falls and Paul Ziegler of New Castle, WA; 4 great grandchildren, 3 nieces and 1 nephew. Calling hours for the visitation will be from 5-7 P.M., Thursday, November 6, 2008 at the YATES FUNERAL HOME, HAYDEN CHAPEL. The funeral service will be 1:00 P.M. Friday, November 7, 2008 at Coeur d'Alene Bible Church, 5350 N. 4th St., Coeur d'Alene. Burial will be at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens with a reception following at the First Presbyterian Church, 521 E. Lakeside Ave., Coeur d'Alene. For friends wishing to make memorial contributions, the family prefers the Gilbert and Eileen Yates nursing scholarship fund, North Idaho College Foundation, 1000 W. Garden Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814. Please visit Gil's memorial obituary and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com on November 2, 2008.²