Morris Lyle Yates Obituary
Morris Lyle Yates
Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Teacher, Friend
Morris Lyle Yates was born February 5, 1940, in Lubbock, Texas, and passed from this life on May 7, 2023, in Visalia, California, at the age of 83. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Dorcas (Trayler) Yates, his sister, Cheryl Bauer (Jerry) of Fresno, and his brother, Christie Yates of Arkansas; two children, Gwyn Yates (Karen) of Virginia, and Michal Yates (Sarah) of Visalia; five grandchildren: Angelo, Cristiana, and Giancarlo Cecchini of Virginia and Grace and Mason Yates of Visalia.
Morris was born to Lyle and Grace Yates and moved from Texas with his parents and grandparents to Torrance, California, and then to Visalia, California, during World War II. He attended Union Elementary School and Redwood High School before graduating from Mt. Whitney High School, College of the Sequoias, and Pepperdine College. During those years baseball dominated his life from Little League and Babe Ruth to high school and college teams as a pitcher, and even professional summer play in Canadian League under his COS coach, Roy Taylor.
After graduating from Pepperdine in 1963 he returned to Visalia where he and his wife raised their family. His career began in social work, then extended to insurance until the perfect opportunity to realize his hopes of teaching appeared in 1966. A 30-year career as educator and administrator unfolded with positions in Lemoore and Visalia where he coached, taught, and served as an assistant principal at Divisadero. Throughout his life Morrie honed his passion for teaching and Bible study in classes from Pepperdine University where he earned a Master of Arts in Religion in 1975, and a Master of Science in Ministry in 1993, sharing his knowledge at COS teaching “The Old Testament as Literature,” and in many Bible classes with his church family.
After he retired in 1996, he cultivated his leather craftmanship creating and carving many beautiful pieces. He became a Range Safety Officer at Rankin Field where his sportsmanship and marksmanship were frequently recognized competitively. Finally, his Parkinson’s Disease disrupted his enjoyment of these interests, but he remained a boisterous and fun-spirited card shark, never missing an opportunity to best his grandkids at “Rook!” Morris has been a blessing to his family, his church, and his students. He will be missed!
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 19, 2023, at 11:00 am, at Visalia Community Church of Christ, 3838 South Court Street. The family thanks each person who has been a part of our lives, encouraging and supporting us throughout Morrie’s journey home to our heavenly Father.
Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto http://www.salseranddillard.com.
