William R. "Bill" Yates

Bill Yates, a resident of Alta Loma since 1990, died unexpectedly of a massive heart attack Sunday morning. Mr. Yates retired from the Lompoc Unified School District after serving there for 32 years as a science teacher. He earned his B.A. and M.A. at Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, OK and continued professional studies through National Science Foundation Institutes. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954 and earned numerous medals and commendations. During his retirement he continue a life-long pursuit of travel, was a frequent golfer, and volunteered as a Reading Mentor at Central School in Rancho Cucamonga. Mr. Yates was born in Kingston, Arkansas and is survived by his wife Sonja who is Superintendent of Schools for Central School District in Rancho Cucamonga; two sons and their families: Bradley W. and Jill Yates of Mission Viejo and their sons Brian Jeffrey and Corey Jacob; and Craig R. and Cindy Yates of Templeton, CA and their children Christopher Brian, Jessica Marie, Jonathan David and Michael Aaron. Mr. Yates also has three surviving siblings, Margaret Black of Shawnee, OK; Oma Waters of Statford, OK; and Thad Yates of Mound City, MO. Viewing will be held on Monday, November 5, from 4-8pm at Stone Mortuary, 355 E. 9th St., in Upland, CA. Memorial services and reception will be held at the Presbyterian Church of the Master, 26051 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo CA at 2:00pm on Tuesday, Nov. 6. The family requests that donations in lieu of flowers be made to Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709-3498.