Earl Lester Yates, age 94, of Frisco, Texas passed away on January 20, 2016 in Plano, Texas. He was born on December 27, 1921 in Celina, Texas to Lottie Stambaugh Yates and Clarence Nelson Yates. On September 22, 1945, Earl married Mildred Ledean Carroll in Frisco, Texas.
Earl farmed in his young adult life, and then had a long career with Raytheon, where he was recognized with numerous awards for his innovative cost saving ideas.
His deep faith in God led him throughout his life. Earl was a member of the First Baptist Church of Frisco for 78 years where he diligently served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher. He also served as a member of the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees.
Earl is survived by his wife, Ledean Yates of Frisco, Texas; three children, Brenda Kay Gutierrez of Frisco, Randall E. Yates and his wife Connie of Frisco and James N. Yates and his wife Deborah of Frisco; five grandchildren, Richard Gutierrez, Danny Gutierrez, Ryan Yates and his wife Melissa, Meredith Rodriguez and her husband Chris and Molly Yates; two great-grandchildren, Isaac Yates and Hannah Rose Yates; sister, Alta Yates Sanford of Frisco; brother, Leon Yates and his wife Wanda of Frisco.
Earl is preceded in death by his parents.
Family and friends are invited to a Visitation at the First Baptist Church, 7901 Main Street, Frisco, Texas, 75034 on Saturday, January 23, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at the church on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at 2:30 PM. Interment will follow at Cottage Hill Cemetery in Celina, Texas.