Gregory F. Yates

Gregory Francis Yates went to be with our Father on April 30, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family at the age of 58 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.  Greg was born November 20, 1958 to the late Gerald and Mary Yates, the youngest of seven children.  After a long and intense search on Match, Greg and Gina found each other and on May 18, 2013 hooked the “just married” sign onto the back of the bike and made it official.  Greg left behind his wife, Gina; children Angela Wolford and Robert Wolford; two amazing grandchildren, Robert and Faith Wolford; dearest siblings Tom (Gayla) Yates, Linda Reed, Michael (Bonnie) Smith; nieces McCayla Yates, Sarah (Patrick) Abaracia, Heather (Dwayne) Cox, Michele (Greg) Mannon, and Terri (Joe) Kallal; nephews Todd (Lee) Martens, Jerry (Carol) Martens, and Michael (Stephanie) Yates and their many beautiful children.  Greg is also survived by his father-in-law RC (Marie) Brashears and Gina’s sisters and their children and grandchildren.  So blessed to be part of a very large family, Greg will be remembered  and missed by his many aunts, uncles, great nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and so very many friends.

Greg was preceded in death by his brothers Claude Joseph Yates, Roger Smith, Joe Yates, and nephew Scott Martens.

A man of so many talents (that he worked hours and hours to fine-tune), Greg loved to scuba dive, spearfish, and ride his Goldwing….he went where the green lights would lead.  On the bike was where he was happiest…all cares went with the wind.  Greg taught country dancing for couples and was able to lead Gina onto the dance floor – his toughest student….the smiles were never ending.  Greg recently started painting as well as airbrushing.  He was quite the artist.  Did you know Greg was a golf pro?  That was while he lived in Dallas. He will always be remembered for his ability to connect to people, his easy manner and quick wit, his outgoing personality, but most of all – his beautiful smile.

Greg very proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1977 – 1982 as an interior Communications Electrician 2^nd Class.  Facebook opened the door for him to reconnect with many of his Navy friends and colleagues in the recent years.  He enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to catch up with so many.

Memorial donations may be made to the Siteman Cancer Center, CB 1204, 7425 Forsyth Blvd, St. Louis MO  63105.  Greg received excellent care from the Siteman team.  They provide so many services at no cost to cancer patients and their families.  Greg and Gina appreciated every single thing they did to assist in Greg’s fight against this terrible disease.