MICHAEL T. YATES

MICHAEL T. YATES, 69, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 2, 2018, at Saint Anne Home in Fort Wayne. Born April 5, 1948, Mike was the son of the late Thomas O. Yates and Jean (Kelley) Boyer and stepfather, Jerry Boyer. Raised in Indianapolis, Mike received both his undergraduate and law degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind., in 1973. He was recognized as a Resident Scholar during his time at Indiana University. Mike enjoyed attending an annual reunion in Bloomington with longtime friends known as the "Ahayweh's." After graduating Law School, Mike moved to Fort Wayne and served as a law clerk. He then established a family law practice for over 40 years receiving multiple awards from the American Institute of Family Law. Mike's cherished memory was a college road trip he took in 1968 driving cross country to Pasadena, Calif., to cheer for his Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl. He often described it as a college adventure in two beat up cars on a shoe string budget. Over the past 40 years, Mike participated in the Downtown Sertoma Club, Toastmaster International and was a founding member of The Network Businessmen's Club. Mike's intellectual depth covered a wide range of subjects and hobbies. He had a strong passion for music, of any kind, as well as the latest wireless gadget on the market. As a longtime runner, Mike ran his first of three marathons at the age of 60! Family was Mike's greatest passion including his beloved wife and best friend Susan of almost 40 years (They were married on April 22, 1978). His son, Patrick, played soccer for Indiana University and Mike never missed a game. His second son, Daniel (soon to be father), followed in Mike's footsteps and is an attorney in St. Paul, Minn. Mike was loved and respected by all, a sweet man who never shared a bad word about anyone, and he will be remembered for his famous "YATES Smile! " Surviving are his wife, Susan (Adang) Yates; sons, Patrick (Kelly) Yates of Fort Wayne and Daniel (Tammy) Yates of St. Paul, Minn.; grandchildren, Cecilia and Johnny Yates, both of Fort Wayne; mother and stepfather, Jean and Jerry Boyer of Bloomfield, Ind.; stepmother, Theresa Yates of Wayzata, Minn.; brother, Robert Yates of Bloomfield, Ind.; sister and niece, Barbara and Cameron Yates of Roseville, Minn., stepsister, Gwen Regan of Santa Rosa, Calif.; and father-in-law, Lee Adang of Fort Wayne. Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018, at St. Charles Catholic Church, 4916 Trier Road, with calling one hour prior to service. Family will also receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2018, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. Preferred Memorials to Visiting Nurse Hospice, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814.