William A. “Bill” Yates, 82, of Galion, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016 at Kobacker House, Columbus.
Bill was born in Rimersburg, Pennsylvania on April 9, 1934 to the late Walter and Willa Mae (Solada) Yates. He married Betty J. Lorenz on Aug. 28, 1954 and she survives him.
A proud veteran, Bill served in the U.S. Army. He resided in Galion for four years, coming from Charlotte, North Carolina. Bill worked for Montgomery Ward’s department store and as a food inspector for the State of Pennsylvania. He was in the coal business and owned an insurance agency in East Brady, Pennsylvania, for many years.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of East Brady, Pennsylvania, and was an avid attendee of Christ United Methodist Church in Galion. He attended the Galion Lodge #414 (Free & Accepted Mason) and was a member of the Kittanning/East Brady Lodge No. 244 F & A.M. for over 50 years.
Bill loved golfing and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Pappy loved to take Maggie Mae (his daughter’s Bernese Mountain dog) for ice cream on Saturday mornings.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Dr. Vickey (Joseph) Milligan, of Galion, his grandson Joshua (Alicia) Shoemaker, of Columbus, who lovingly referred to his grandfather as ‘Rowdy,’ Bill’s golfing nickname, and his adored great-granddaughters, Nora Jean Shoemaker and Abigail Jane Shoemaker.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016 at Christ United Methodist Church in Galion, with Pastor Jerry Penrod Jr. officiating. A Masonic Service held by the Galion Lodge #414 (Free & Accepted Mason) will also take place.
A memorial service at the First Presbyterian Church in East Brady, Pennsylvnia, with burial in the Rimersburg Cemetery in Rimersburg, Pennsylvania, will be held at a later date. Military honors will be conducted by the Galion/Crestline Veterans Military Funeral Detail and the U.S. Army.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Crawford County Humane Society, 3590 St. Rte. 98, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820, in care of the funeral home.
The Mark A. Schneider Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of William A. Yates.
