John Yates Jr

John Robert "Bob" Yates Jr., 87, of Allenport, passed away Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, in Jefferson Hospital. He was born Oct. 14, 1926, in Gillespie, a son of the late John Robert Yates Sr. and Gladys Gardner Yates. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, as a gunner's mate third class aboard the LST 699 in the South Pacific. He saw many battles during the war, including the Invasion of Leyte in February 1945 in the Philippines. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Pacific theater ribbon (two stars), American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal and Philippine Liberation Ribbon (two stars). When he returned from the service, he worked for Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, Allenport plant, eventually retiring from there. He was a well-known mechanic at Ray's Gulf station in Roscoe. Mr. Yates was the oldest member of the Roscoe Sportsmen's Association, a lifetime member of Roscoe American Legion Post 801, and a member of the Belle Vernon VFW Post 699. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Mr. Yates was devoted to his family and loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Mary Stimmell Yates; his children, Barbara Wolford of Allenport, John Robert Yates III of Daytona Beach, Fla., Glady Beveridge and companion, Chuck Moffit, of Monongahela, Jessie Funari and husband, Larry, of Allenport, and Janet Pearson and husband, Ricky, of Mapleview; a stepson, William Stimmell and wife, Karen, of Belle Vernon; 10 grandchildren, Robert Wolford Jr. and wife, Katie, of Butler; Traci Fedrick and husband, Victor, of Allenport; Steve Pierce of Stockdale; Paula Yates and companion, Bucky, of Maryland; Courtney Alexander and husband, Douglas, of Windber; Christopher Kashock and wife, Cathy, of Stockdale; Lindsey Hooker of Maryland; Melissa Pearson and companion, Steve, of Scott Township; and Anthony and Maria Stimmell of Belle Vernon; 13 great-grandchildren, Jordan, Jacob, Noah and Cecelia Wolford, Megan, Sarah, Halee and Diego Fedrick, McKenna and Cooper Kashock, and Malcom, Keldon and Rylynn Hooker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 53 years, Rhoda; his brother, James Yates; an infant sister, Phyllis; a daughter-in-law, Judith Goldbaugh Yates; and his beloved dog, Missy. Friends will be received 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at MELENYZER FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 1008 Furlong Ave., Roscoe. Funeral services with military honors will be held 10 a.m. Monday in the funeral home with Pastor Robert Williams officiating. Private interment will be in Belle Vernon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob's memory to the Washington-Greene County Blind Association, 566 E. Maiden St., Washington, PA 15301.