Joseph Lewis "J.Lewis" Yates
July 21, 1928 ~ February 22, 2009
Services:
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 27, 2009 in St. Josephs Catholic Church, Morganza, MD with Fr. Keith Woods officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation:
Public visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2009 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM with prayers being said at 7:00 PM.
Joseph Lewis "J. Lewis" Yates, Jr., 80, of Clements, MD died February 22, 2009 in St. Mary’s Nursing Center. Born July 21, 1928 in Leonardtown, MD he was the son of the late Joseph Lewis and Agnes Jeannette “Nettie” Tennyson Yates, Sr. He was preceded in death by his wife Claudia Abell Guy Yates on September 28, 1995 in Leonardtown, MD, they were married on December 15, 1953 in the Leonardtown Courthouse. He is survived by his children Frankie Merson, Dale Yates, Lewis Yates and Jenny Yates all of Clements, MD and Gene Merson of Leesburg, VA; siblings Jeannette Foley of N. Palm Beach, FL, John B. Yates, Donie Alvey, Georgia Mae Nelson and Winnie Kopacko all of Clements, MD and Linda Williams of Loveville, MD; twelve grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death one daughter Lynn Burroughs and four siblings Jake Yates, Evelyn Clarke, Dale Yates and Thomas “Brent” Yates. J. Lewis was a lifelong St. Mary’s County resident where he graduated from Margaret Brent High School “Class of 1946”. He worked as a farmer and part-time testing water samples for the St. Mary’s County Health Department. He enjoyed gardening, farming, spending time with his family and grandchildren, playing poker and dancing with the Mrs. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 26, 2009 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers will be said at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 27, 2009 at 10:00 AM in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, MD with Fr. Keith Woods officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Burroughs, Todd Merson, George Burroughs, Chris Yates, Timmy Yates and Mike Guy. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, St. Mary’s County Unit, P.O. Box 1032, Lexington Park, MD 20653 and/or 7th District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609.
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“To all the Family, We were so sorry to hear of J.Lewis’ passing. He is at peace now and I’m sure him and Aunt Bugs are dancing in the heavens above. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.”
“I had the pleasure of working with J. Lewis at the Health Dept. quite a few years ago. He was such a gentleman – always tipped his hat, had a kind word, the best of manners. My life is better for having known him. “
“What a wonderful person! It is our great fortune to have known him. He always had a smile for you and a great way of making you feel special. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
“Uncle Dale, Auntie B, Jonathan and Family, Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult. Pop Yates was a kind and generous man, always bringing a smile to those around. He will truly be missed. With Love Always,”
“To the Yates family – so sorry for your loss. J. Lewis was a wonderful person. Will miss his stories when we visit Auntie B. Will keep your family in my prayers.”
“OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO DALE AND FAMILY. WE ARE SO HEARTBROKEN TO HEAR OF MR. YATE’S PASSING. WE HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF HIM FROM MATTINGLY’S FOODS. THEY’RE ARE WORDS THAT CANNOT EXPRESS HOW WE FEEL ABOUT THIS ONE OF A KIND MAN. WE LOVE AND TREASURE HIS KINDNESS. “
“Jenny,Dale,and Lewis and the entire family, We would like to express “Our Deepest Sympathy.” Mr.Yates was a wonderful person and great neighbor. I have known him since I was a child. He would often come by my house and asked if I needed some kale, and many other vegetables.I would see him working in his garden from my kitchen window. I often seen him at church, he would always nod and smile as he was coming from Holy Communion. He will be truly missed! Our love and prayers to all of the family. “
“Mr. Yates will be greatly missed. He was indeed a pleasure and always put a smile on my face. By far one of my favorite patients. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
“We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and paryers. We sure will miss J. Lewis’ wonderful smile. “
“Lots of love to all the family and friends too. He will be greatly missed by all of us.”
“To all the Family, I am so sorry to hear of J. Lewis’ passing. He is now with his Bride (Aunt Bugs). We all have those special “Memories” and will never forget all of the great times we had. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you “ALL”. “
“‘J.Lewis’s Family: He was truly a fine Gentleman. We would see him quite often around town and in McKays always wearing a smile and How are you folks today. Once he knew you HE ALWAYS KNEW YOU. He is at peace. May God Bless You All.. “
“Shannon, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.”
“We were very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time.”
“J Lewis’s Family: We are very sorry for your loss. J Lewis was not only a good father to you all, but was a good friend to Aunt Dottie. She will miss him coming by every week to see her in the nursing home. I’m glad she was able to see him on Saturday. I also enjoyed watching your Dad and Mom take over the dance floor. They were great. He has finally reunited with her and is at peace.”
“Dale, Lewis, Jenny, and family. We’re so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was always so kind to us and we’re going to miss him around the neighborhood. He often spoke of how much he missed your Mom and at least now they’re together again. We’ll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.”
“We were sorry to hear about J. Lewis. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.”
“My family and I are sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. J. Lewis Yates. Mr. Yates was a great neighbor and cherished family friend that I have known since childhood. As a young boy a remember playing in his front yard with Dale which resulted in my first job harvesting tobacco. Mr. Yates will be greatly missed and will be remembered in our prayers.”
“To the family of Mr. Yates we are so sorry to hear of his passing. The whole Guy family sends their love and prayers. You have so many great memories.”
“Lewis and Dale, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.”
“Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. He blessed all of us with his kindness and generosity. He truly made a difference in the lives of all of us. If there is anything we can do please don’t hesitate to let us know. Our prayers are with you all.”
“I am so sorry to hear about J. Lewis passing away. I had more than one good time with him at ball games, social events or up at his house when we were all much younger. What a pleasant man to talk to and joke with. He and I laughed many times about moving that pool table out of the basement with Lewis and Troy and others. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. “
“Uncle Dale, Auntie B, Jonathan and family – Thinking of you all during this difficult time and praying that you all find the comfort, strenth and peace that is needed at times like this. We love you!”
“We are so sorry to hear of Mr Yates’ passing–our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He was such a joy to have as a neighbor and friend–always so kind to our children and grandchildren as they grew up on the farm. We have always felt privileged to share a piece of your family farm because he had a way of making us feel so welcome–we will miss him. “
“J. Lewis was a bright ‘spot’ in a lot of lives and he spread that light whereever he was; it seems dimmer now, we know, but he would want those he left behind to brighten their ‘spots’ and carry on. Life as we’ve known it, will never be the same, that is until we are all together with our loved ones in eternity. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you all walk through this valley of adjustment. With Love,”
“You have some great memories of your Dad and remember those. He is at rest and at peace.”
“Family, We were so sorry to hear of J. Lewis’ passing. Cherish the memories and may you find comfort in knowing that he is in Heaven and at peace with Aunt Bugs. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.”
“I can still see Uncle Jay and Aunt Bugs dancing like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. Uncle Jay was a gentle man. He seemed to me to have a smile for everyone and a tender heart. His passing will surely leave a big whole. Hope in time you will be able to fill the gap with memories. “
“”We are so sorry to hear of Mr Yates’ passing.””
“My condolences to the family. Be proud, you had a wonderful father and grandfather. J Lewis was always a sweet southern gentleman and I was proud to have called him my father-in-law. My prayers to the family. “
“J. LEWIS WAS A VERY GOOD MAN AND A GOOD FRIEND. I WILL MISS HIM.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing that he is at peace.”
“To the Yates Family: Skip & I wish to be among your many friends and family to offer our condolences. Sorry we live so far away and will be unable to attend any of the services. May God bless each and every one of you. Skip & Doris Jones”
“To Uncle J. Lewis’ children, grandchildren, brother, sisters, nieces and nephews…We have lost a wonderful and caring family member who has reached out and touched each and every one of us at some time during our lives. I can’t say enough about Uncle J. Lewis. Together we will keep him in our hearts and know he is now at peace with Aunt Bugs and smiling down on all who knew and loved him.”
“To the family of J Lewis, Cherish the memories and hold them dear to your heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. “
“Dale,Lewis and Jennifer: I am sorry of the passing of your father. My conversation with Mr. Lewis was several months ago at McDonald’s in Leonardtown. He always asked about his buddy (Brumpsey) when I see him. Your father was a kind, loving and caring man. I appreciated all the things he has done for my father. He will be missed.”
“Dale,Lewis and Jennifer, You all have our deepest condolences of the passing of your dad. I will miss my work partner and best friend. He and I always talked about the garden,old times, laugh and joked around about different things. My friend is at peace now along with his lovely wife. They were both special people to my wife and I. Your father was there for me when I was in the hospital with my back surgery. He encouraged me with postive thoughts to get well. I will miss our talks and laughs. We were always there for each other. I will miss my best friend very much.”
“We are sorry to hear about J Lewis. He was a special friend to us. I used to work with J Lewis at the Health Department and he always made the day more enjoyable. We continued to be close friends after that. I will miss seeing his smiling face. “
“Too the whole Yates family, sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. J. Lewis, He was a good man. The Clements area has lost another ICON that will never be replaced. Be thankful you got to spend the time you did with him. God Bless you all”
“Dale, Jenny, and Lewis. I am sorry to hear about your Dad. I will miss all of our long conversations we used to have outside of Third Base every time I saw him there. He was a good man and I know a great father to you all. We will all miss him but we can rest assured in the knowledge he is now with your Mom up in heaven. God bless you all. Billy & Susan Johnson”
“I am sorry to her about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief. May you find comfort as you walk through this valley knowing that he will be missed and loved always.”
“Dear All of Uncle J. Lewis’ Family My love, thoughts, and prayers are with you. Rejoice in knowing your Dad is once again reunited with your mother once again! What a wonderful and thoughtful person he was!”
“To the Yates Family, I know you all have so many wonderful memories of your dad and so do we. So many times J. Lewis and Bugs would meet up with Len T. and Helen for a night of dancing and a little drinking and of course a lot of farming stories. I know that the 4 of them are together not only are they playing pitch they may even be drinking a little Harwood. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.”
“Lewis & family,Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. “
“Lewis, Jenny, D and family; Pop Yates: A man that always had a smile on his face – A man that treated us like family – A real and kind man that will always be missed in our hearts and minds; at every occasion. Our Love to you all.”
“We remember J.Lewis amd Bugsy from the baseball games in the late fifties. They were so much fun and we remember how they could dance!”
“Jenny, our thoughts are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. May memories be a source of comfort at this time. “
“To the Yates family: So sorry to hear of J. Lewis’s passing. It’s hard to udnerstand why our loved ones are taken from us, but find comfort in knowing you were a special part of such a well-lived life. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. J. Lewis is reunited with the love of his life “Bugs”. No more pain and suffering. He is at PEACE.”
“We are so sorry to hear about Mr.Yates. He was such a great man that everybody enjoyed talking to and being around. It was truely a honor to know him and we will never forget him. God bless him and his family and may he rest in peace.”
“Uncle Dale, Auntie B, Jonathan, and all of the Yates’ Family. I was saddened to hear of Mr. Yates’ passing. He always greeted us all with a smile and always had so many stories of Mrs. Yates and him. Treasure his memories and I hope the whole family finds comfort in knowing that he was a gentle and loving man. All my love goes out to the entire family.”
“I am extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Yates! He was one of the friendliest men I had ever met. I always enjoyed his stories. I was proud to have known him. He will be missed!”
“Lewis, I am soo sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If you need anything we are just around the corner. He will be missed by all!!”
“Lewis and Missy and family,we are so sorry about your loss,you and you family are in our prayers and thoughts”
“Jenny, We were so sorry to hear of your father’s death. Sue has spoken often of what a dear, precious man he was. It was our misfortune not to have met him. Love to all, R. H. & Edith Fail (Sue Ellen’s dad and mom)”
“Linda and Yates family With God’s love and the support of those who care so much, may you find the comfort and strength that will help you now and through the days ahead. With Sympathy Claudia”
“Jenny – So sorry to hear about your dad, I had no idea when I saw you at the Nursing Home. I will keep you in my prayers.”
“Dale, Jenny & Lewis I’m so sorry to hear about your Daddy. He was a wonderful man who everyone loved. Our two families have always been so close over the years, we have alot of special memories. If you need anything please don’t hesitate to give us a call. “