Donald Ray Yates, Sr.

Portage, Indiana

Donald Ray Yates, Sr., age 67, a longtime resident of Portage passed away on Monday, December 20, 2010. He was born on October 5, 1943 in Hammond the son of Charles and Helen Yates. Don worked as a police officer for the Portage Police Department for over 25 years and then for U.S. Steel Security for over 12 years. Don was married to Rita Reeves-Webber on July 26, 1969 in Gary. Don was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and enjoyed golfing, fishing, watching the N.F.L. and Nascar Racing. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and a friend to all.

Don is survived by his loving family; wife Rita Yates, Portage, sons Michael Webber, Frisco, TX, Dennis (Carol) Webber, Portage, and Donald (Martina) Yates, Jr., Streamwood, IL, daughter Kimberly (Chuck) LaRocco, Hanover Park, IL, grandchildren Anthony and Amanda Martensen, Christina (Alex) Mefford, Dennis and Jeffrey Webber, and Seth and Kelsey Webber, great-grandchildren Alyssa Mefford and Julian Martensen, brothers Dwane (Patty) Yates, Frisco, TX, Terry Yates, Arlington, TX, and Ron (Robin) Yates, Frisco, TX, and other loving family and dear friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Charles B. Yates.

A visitation for Donald Yates will be held from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at Rees Funeral Home – Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at Rees Funeral Home with Deacon Bob Bonta, officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Hobart. Memorials in Don's memory may be made to the Yates Family. For further information please call Rees Funeral Home at (219) 762-3013 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.