Leonard Arthur Yates

Dr. Leonard Arthur " Pete" Yates, 92, of Port Arthur died peacefully at home Monday, October 07, 2013. Born May 15, 1921 in Baton Rouge, LA, he received his Bachelors of Science from LSU in 1943. He then married his wife, Dorothy just before shipping out to serve his country as a United States Marine in World War II at Guadalcanal, Peleliu and Tarawa. After returning from the war he received his Masters of Science from LSU in 1948. He and Dorothy then moved to Port Arthur, where they later welcomed their daughter, Lynne. Pete worked in the PAISD as a Coach at Woodrow Wilson, Assistant Principal at Edison and then as Principal of Stephen F. Austin High School. Pete then went on to earn his PhD in Education from the University of Houston in 1956. Upon leaving PAISD, Pete went to Lamar University as a Professor of Men's Health and Physical Education and as a Tennis Coach. Before his retirement from Lamar University, he was given the honor of Regents' Professor. Pete was a member of the Port Arthur Rotary Club and the United Methodist Temple in Port Arthur. Pete was preceded in death by his mother, Ida Rice and his wife of 60 years Dorothy Yates. He is survived by his daughter and son-in law, Lynne and Ted Thornal of Nederland; his granddaughter, Dayle Thornal of Richardson, TX; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Mandy and Toby Concienne, of Nederland and his two great grandchildren, Isabella Tiberi of Richardson, TX and Carter Concienne of Nederland. Pete also leaves behind his dear companion, Ms. Lois Streetman. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 9, 2013 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2013 at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves. Pete's family would like to thank Odyssey Hospice, Kendra, Courtney, Nelda, Vicky and Vanessa for taking such great care of him in his last days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Methodist Temple or Port Arthur Rotary Club.