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.
Condolences
Levingston Funeral Home
November 2, 2021
1 file added to the album Obituary Wall
Dr. Leonard Arthur "Pete" Yates
August 4, 2020
Leonard Arthur Yates
Anonymous
October 11, 2013
My condolences to the family for their loss. Coach Yates was my favorite faculty member during my three years at Woodrow Wilson, 1951 thru 1954. I will never forget the impact he had on me during my formative years.
Anonymous
October 10, 2013
Coach Yates wasn't my coach but I remember him well. Like all the other coaches, we had a lot of respect for them. They are all just about gone now. R.I.P. Coach. From the TJ Class of 62.
Anonymous
October 10, 2013
Coach Yates was my coach and home room teacher in 1953 at Woodrow Wilson Junior high in Port Arthur, Texas. He gave me direction that steered my academic history and enabled me succeed. I'd taken the 8th grade career guidence test and didn't know what to choose for my highschool college prep courses. His advice.."Aim high, Freddy boy, aim high". "Take the toughest courses available and you'll have more options later in life". Thanks, Coach. God gave a blessing to all who knew you. I always share your words when someone asks advice on how to succeed in life. I'll remember you forever and pray God is with your family during this time.
Anonymous
October 9, 2013
To the Yates family, my deepest sympathy and prayers are with you at your time of loss. Dr. Yates (Coach to me) had the ability to bring out the best in everyone he met or taught. He was respected by all who knew him and I deem it an honor to have known him not only as a teacher but a friend.
Anonymous
October 9, 2013
I was a music teacher on the faculties of Woodrow Wilson and Thomas Edison with Dr. Yates. It was an honor to have worked with him. An outstanding man.