Robert H. Yates

From 1943

A private memorial service for Robert H. Yates, 83, was held Sunday at his home on Horseshoe

Bend, Brookston.

He died at 2 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2008, at his residence.

Born March 9, 1925, in Lima, Ohio, he was the son of the late Martin and Pearl Howell Yates. His marriage was on Sept. 18, 1945, in Louisville, Ky., to Fosetta B. Scott, who survives.

He graduated from Delphi High School in 1942. A World War II veteran, he then served in the European Theater as a paratrooper with the 517th Airborne Division, U.S. Army. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge, earning the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Cluster.

After receiving flight training under the G.I. Bill in Nampa, Idaho, Mr. Yates worked as a crop duster and flight instructor. He was also an ROTC flight instructor at Purdue University where he taught a few former astronauts how to fly.

He was also a crop duster in Carroll County, Arizona, Canada and several southern states.

Mr. Yates worked for 20 years in San Diego, Calif., and for Lafayette Local Iron Workers.

He was a member of Delphi American Legion Post #75.

He enjoyed traveling and fishing and very much loved to fly.

Surviving with his wife are a daughter, Pam Mansfield of Brookston; five sons, Robert F. Yates (wife: Wanda) of Fairbanks, Alaska, Max Yates (wife: Jan) of Ramona, Calif., Geoffrey Yates of Spokane, Wash., Steve Yates (wife: Patty) of Palo Verde, Calif., and Brad Yates of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; a sister, Mildred "Millie" Fullford of The Villages, Fla.; 15 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by an infant son.

Condolences may be sent to abbottfuneralhome@verizon. net