William Jack Yates

W. Jack Yates, 74, of Meadville, passed away Friday, February 1, 2008 at Meadville Medical Center.

He was born November 17, 1933 in Brookville, a son of the late William J. and Carmen E. McManigle Yates.  He married Nancy R. Launer July 8, 1961 in Johnsonburg.

He was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School and began his employment with the United Natural Gas Co. of St. Mary’s in 1951.  He retired from National Fuel Gas Co., Meadville in 1994 as Senior District Manager following 43 years of service.  He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the 10th Infantry Division in Germany, serving from 1956 to 1958.

Jack’s Masonic affiliations began in 1958 in St. Mary’s.  He transferred his membership in 1962 to Meadville Lodge #408, serving as Worshipful Master in 1969 and 1999.  He was a 33rd degree Honorary Member of Supreme Council Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.  He also was a member of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of PA, which included serving as District Deputy Grand Master for 12 years.  His other Masonic memberships included:  Valley of Coudersport, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; PTIM of Timothy Alden Council No. 60 which merged with Sharon Council No. 48 Royal & Select Master Masons; Council of Anointed Kings, PC Northwestern Conclave #25 and Mt. Calvary Commandry No. 67 Knights Templar; Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor; Pennsylvania Lodge of Research F & AM; Past Excellent Chief of Gateway to the West #5; The Grand Council of Knight Masons; Grand College of Rites USA; Knights of the York Cross of Honor – Keystone Priory No. 26; PP Bethlehem Tabernacle No.LXXIV HRAKTP; Royal Order of Scotland; Northwestern PA Past Commanders & Line Officers; PSM Peninsula Council No. 87 Allied Masonic Degrees; Grand Council of Masonic Degree of USA; PHP Solomon Royal Arch Chapter #191 which merged with Mound Chapter #212, Greenville; PS St. John’s Red Cross of Constantine; Past Intendent General – United Grand Imperial Council Pennsylvania Western; PA College – MSRICF Gd. 8 and Principal of 25th Masonic District School of Instruction.

Jack was a member of Stone United Methodist Church, Meadville serving as an usher and on various committees.  He was a member of the Plaza Lanes Senior Mixed Bowling League, Meadville and enjoyed golfing and traveling with friends.

Survivors, in addition to his wife Nancy; include two sons, Michael Yates of Laurel, MD and Jeffrey Yates of Fleetwood; a nephew, Ron Winslow of Kersey; three Aunts, Mary Ellen McManigle and Helen Ferraro of Brookville and Evelyn Strawcutter of Kane; one Uncle, James Yates of Hannibal, MO; and several cousins.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Winslow.

A Masonic and Memorial Service will be held at a future date and time to be announced.  The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the Masonic Building Fund, c/o Rodger Nydes, 17112 Parkview Dr., Meadville, PA 16335 or Stone United Methodist Church, 956 S. Main St., Meadville, PA 16335.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.