Walter Larry Yates, 84, of New London, died Wednesday, Jan. 20, at his home. He was the husband of Ethel Kay Thompson Yates, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Born in Greensboro, N.C., he was a son of the late Walter Clearon Yates and the late Lovie Irene Draughon Yates.
Larry earned a bachelor’s degree from Penn State and remained a lifelong Lions fan. He retired from DuPont after 32 years of service. He then worked in sales for many years at his son’s business, Yates Mushroom Company, a produce wholesaler in West Grove. He was a longtime member of West Grove United Methodist Church, Railroad Rod and Gun Club, White Clay Flyfishers, Oxford Redman’s Club, Oxford Gun Club, and past master of the New London Masonic Lodge.
Larry loved spending time with his family and friends, working in his garden, fishing in a stream, or hunting in the woods. He was an avid outdoorsman and was delighted to pass that onto his children and grandchildren. He always had a story to tell, a nickname to give, or a unique turn of phrase. He whistled frequently, had a positive attitude and joyful heart. His exuberant personality will be greatly missed.
In addition to his wife, Kay, he is survived by his family who he adored, one son, Dale Yates and his wife Nancy of New London, PA; two daughters, Nancy Yates Narvell and her husband Todd of Wilmington, and Shelly Ciafre and her husband Rodney of New London; a brother, Curtis Yates and his wife Sandra of Oxford, 10 grandchildren, Matthew, Megan, Kristine, Ashley, Amanda, Steven, Eric, Eleazar, Ezekiel and Lydia and 11 great-grandchildren, Hailey, Matthew, Jaime, Jack, John, Christopher, Sloane, MaKenzie, Travis, Eric James, and Benjamin.
You are invited to visit with Larry’s family and friends from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at West Grove United Methodist Church, 300 N Guernsey Rd, West Grove, PA 19390. Due to COVID-19, only 10 guests will be allowed into the building at a time and masks will be required. A private memorial service will follow. A small gathering for family and close friends will be held at the OTE Traven at the Octoraro Hotel, 2 South 3rd Street, Oxford, PA 19363 at 1:30 p.m.
Contributions in his memory may be made to either West Grove United Methodist Church at the aforementioned address or to the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, 1901 Rockland Rd. Wilmington, DE 19803. Arrangements are by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. (484-734-8100) To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com
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