William Yates

William Yates 84 of Akron passed away peacefully on January 11 2014. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Genevieve. He is survived by his daughters Linda (John) Wack Joyce (Joseph) Tomei and son Scott. Papaw also leaves behind his dearly loved grandchildren Paul Adam Wack Bethany (John) Huber Kristen (Paul) Kukla Michael (Michelle) Tomei Julie Yates Whitney Yates Cheyenne Yates and great granddaughter Nina Lee Yates. Bill is also survived by a sister Patty Mullins of Wadsworth OH and two sister-in-laws Rethal Bartley of Bayonet Point FL and Zelma Jividen of Nitro WV. Dad was born on May 23 1929 in Weston WV to Forrest B. and Amy M. Yates. The family lived around the Buchanon & Weston area until moving to Nitro WV in the early '40's. Dad attended and graduated from Nitro High School in 1946. At that time he went to work for Monsanto Chemical Company and started attending West Virginia State College. In 1949 Bill met Genevieve Cobb and they married one year later on July 1 1950. Bill and his new wife moved to St. Albans WV and started a family. They moved to Akron in July of 1969 when Monsanto started up a new Rubber Chemical Lab in Akron. Bill joined Christ United Methodist Church in 1970 where he and Genevieve were active involved members throughout many years right up until 2014. Dad retired from Monsanto in 1987 with 40 years service. He immediately became a full-time grandfather mentor and ''counselor'' for the family. Kids grandkids even friends and neighbors would come to Bill for advice and problem solving. Papaw became a fixture at his grandchildren's school sporting events. If Papaw and his video camera were at a CYO softball game everybody knew which team would win! One of Bill's greatest pleasures was attending the twice annual ''Possum Vigil'' at Donny Cove. An extended weekend at a family friends cabin in West Virginia Possum Vigils are known as a chance to fish relax porch-sit in a rocking chair discuss politics religion read poetry and sip on some blackberry brandy. The original Vigilers were a group of Monsanto employees who started doing this in the 1960's and continue to this day. Bill was a ''charter member'' of the Possum Vigilers. Dad never had an enemy and everyone who met him would become his friend. Always willing to help and assist Dad was always more concerned about how others were ''getting along than about himself. This was true right up to the end. Kind generous and sharing seemed to be Dad's ''philosophy'' for living life. All who knew Bill are better people for having known him. All who knew him will miss him. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday January 18 2014 at 2:OO pm at Christ United Methodist Church 380 Mineola Ave. Akron 44320. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Christ United Methodist Church. A special thank you to the therapy department at Traditions at Bath Road especially Bridgette and Patty.