Gene Yates Obituary (1935 - 2018)

Gene Yates, 83, passed away October 9, 2018 at the Pioneer Care Center in Brigham City, UT with family at his side. He was born May 8, 1935 in Cheyenne, WY to Willard Eugene and Ora Catherine Martin Yates. He married Marie Louise Page on July 17, 1960 in Vallejo, CA in the United Methodist Church.He left Wyoming as a child when his family relocated to Vallejo, CA. It was there where he received his Elementary Education and graduated from Vallejo High School. He continued his education by attending Vallejo Junior College where he received an associate’s degree and then went on to attend The Academy of Art in San Francisco where he graduated with honors.Gene honorably served his country in The United States Army and was trained as a Sniper. He also was assigned to the Post Engineer where he was responsible for all the sign work for the Battalion. Following his honorable discharge, he continued to serve by enlisting in the United States Army Reserves.Gene throughout his life used and developed his artistic ability. Following his graduation from the Academy of Art, he had a distinguished career in the Commercial Advertising Industry. He worked for BBDO in New York City until he was transferred to Los Angeles, CA to work as the Creative Director. He was responsible for the Commercial Advertising for many large companies including: General Electric, Pepsi-Cola International, DuPont, Western Airlines, North American Rockwell and many more. He left California in 1972 and relocated his family to Utah where he headed the advertising department at Bennett’s Paint. Then he started his own business, Admix Commercial Advertising. Advertising was always his forte so much so that he could sleep through the movie, but when the commercials came on he was wide awake to watch them.He also used his artistic ability in writing 6 children’s books, which were published. He wrote scripts for commercials and the books “Adventures of Doogedy” and “Charlie’s Choice”. He also was an accomplished oil painter and many of his paintings currently adorn his home.In his earlier years he was involved in Soap Box Derby Racing and he won many awards competing. He also loved to play basket ball and was a member of the basket ball team in College.Gene was a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was baptized in New Jersey prior to moving back to California on November 23, 1966. He and Marie were sealed for time and all eternity in The Los Angeles Temple in June of 1972. His service in the church included serving in Bishoprics’, on the Stake High Council, Young Men’s Organization, Varsity Scout Leader and in the Elders Quorum Presidency. He and Marie were also called to serve a mission on the Church Farm in Ruskin, Florida where they taught English to the workers.He is survived by his Loving and Devoted Wife Marie; Children: Steven Yates (Tami), Risa Herrin (Robert), Danita Yates, Douglas Yates (Jodi), David Yates (Amber); 19 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren. He is also survived by his Siblings: Yvonne Grate (Robert, deceased), Ronald Yates and Richard Yates (Linda). He was preceded in death by his parents and Infant Granddaughters: Anya Herrin and Gabriella Mendez.The family would like to express appreciation to the many Doctors, Nurses, Staff and all that had a hand in caring for Gene, including South Ogden Post-Acute, Pioneer Care Center, Bristol Hospice, Legacy Hospice and the Brigham City Fire and Ambulance Service.Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 12:00 NOON at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham City 10th Ward Chapel, 145 West 500 South, Brigham City, UT. A visitation will be held prior to the services from 10:00-11:30a.m. Interment will follow in the Brigham City Cemetery where Military Honors will be accorded.