Reginald Yates

Reginald “Reg” R. Yates, 89, of Ashland, Nebraska passed away Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Funeral Service with Masonic Rites will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, at United Methodist Church in Ashland, Rev. Dr. Jeff Thurman, officiating.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, at Marcy Mortuary, 104 N. 15th St., Ashland, Nebraska 68003. Face coverings and social distancing required while attending the funeral and visitation. Facemasks will be provided. The Funeral will be live streamed on Marcy Mortuary Facebook page. Interment with Military Honors in Ashland Cemetery,

Memorials to Ashland United Methodist Church, Shriners Hospital for Children or Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Reg was born Feb. 23, 1931, in Mount Ayr to Wayne and Eula (Neff) Yates. He graduated from Creston High School in 1949 and attended Drake University. Reg served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was honorably discharged Nov. 30, 1952. He remained in the Air Guard Reserve until 1959.

He was united in marriage July 30, 1950, to Patricia L. Whitney at First Presbyterian Church in Creston. From this union, three children were born: Joyce, Jim and Janet.

After a long battle with cancer Aug. 11, 1993, Patricia passed away. Reg later married Betty Ballou of Ashland who passed away in 2011. Reg retired from Western Electric as a computer project engineer after 35 years of faithful service. After retirement, he worked at Mahoney State Park and SAC Museum.

Reg was an active member of United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men, Comet Lodge No. 229, AF & AM Masonic Lodge, Men in Missions, Shriners, American Legion No. 129, VFW No. 9776, Disabled Veterans and spent 25 years on the Ashland Greenwood school board.

He enjoyed playing in the Shrine band and orchestra, golfing, piloting airplanes, traveling and latch hooking rugs for his family. In his later years he enjoyed spending time and dancing with special friend, Marilyn Wright.

Reg is survived by his children: Joyce (Tim) Victor of Grand Island, Nebraska, Jim (Donna Yard) Yates of Ashland, Janet (Tim) Neumann of Wahpeton, North Dakota; grandchildren: Katherine (Matt) Victor Green of Grand Island, Nebraska, Nathaniel (Samantha) Yates of McAllen, Texas, Abigail (Caitlin) Yates Bryte of Noblesville, Indiana, Chelsea (Craig) Sallach of Ewing, Nebraska, Morganne (Josh) Roll of Dunn Center, North Dakota, Patrick Rollins of Frederick, Colorado, Taytam (Suzanne) Myhra of Pueblo, Colorado; great-grandchildren: Marissa Green and Arianna Green of Grand Island, Nebraska, Evelyn Yates and Benjamin Yates of McAllen, Texas, Olive Dunnewold (Bryte) of Nobelsville, Indiana, Owen Sallach, Warren Sallach, Quincy Sallach, Hazel Sallach of Ewing, Nebraska, Vance Roll and Dean Roll of Dunn Center, North Dakota.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Eula Yates; wives, Patricia Yates and Betty Yates.