RICHARD LEE YATES

Richard Lee Yates, 79, passed away peacefully in his home on June 22, 2016, from mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. He was born in Claycomo in 1936 and was the son of Lloyd Henry Yates and Martha Gertrude (Fausset) Yates. He attended the Munger School in his early years and graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1954. He was united in marriage in 1960 with Paula Dee Brinkman and to this union they welcomed two sons, Bradley Richard and Troy Robert. In 1956, Richard became a member of I.B.E.W. Local Union #124. He worked as an electrician until he started his own business in 1969, R. L. Yates Electric, Co. He was President for 30 years, until retirement. He became a member of the National Electrical Contractors Association and served on the KC Chapter Board of Directors from 1980 to 1991. He also served on the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee from 1983 to 1992. He was an active member of KCI Rotary and the NKC Breakfast Club. He was a long time member of the Platte Co. Eleemosynary Association and served for several years on the Platte Co. Board of Zoning Adjustments. Richard is a member of the Masonic Lodge #659 and the Ararat Shrine. He is a member of Platte Woods United Methodist Church. Richard was an Eagle Scout and in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was very active in Troop 337 and was their scout master from 1972 to 1976. Two of his favorite things were fishing and golf. He belonged to the KC Bassmasters and enjoyed fishing in the many Missouri lakes. He enjoyed many rounds of golf at Tiffany Greens. After his retirement, he wintered many years in Sarasota, Fla. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Martha Yates and brother, Robert Lloyd Yates. He is survived by his wife, Paula; sons, Bradley (Deborah) Yates and Troy (Dominique) Yates of Gladstone, Mo.; sister, Judy (David) Elston of Kimberling City, Mo.; sister-in-law, Theta Yates of NKC; aunt, Betty Wenski of Liberty; granddaughter, Alexsandra (William) Gorman; grandsons, Richard, Christopher and Perrin, all of Gladstone, Mo., and many other relatives. Funeral service for Richard L. Yates will be Tuesday, June 28, at the Platte Woods United Methodist Church. Visitation at 10:30 a.m. and memorial service at 11:30 a.m. Reverend Steve Breon will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests contributions to NorthCare Hospice, 2000 NE Vivion Rd., Ste. 200, KCMO 64118 or the American Cancer Society, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., KCMO 64105. Condolences may be left at www.dwnwhitechapel.com Arr.: White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 N. Antioch Rd., Gladstone, MO 64119 (816) 452- 8419. Newcomer's White Chapel Funeral Home & Cemetery, Dignity Memorial