Frank Yates Obituary

HARLINGEN
NATIVE AND
PIONEER
Frank H. Yates
HARLINGEN, TX. -- Frank Herbert Yates, a Native of Harlingen, Texas, was born to Thomas and Rachel Yates on March 5, 1927 and died May 30, 2014 in Arizona. His last five years were spent in Arizona with his Daughter, Mildred and her husband, Paul. Frank always longed to return to his beloved Harlingen.
Frank was preceded in death by his Wife, Luzie Kohl Yates, his Wife, Wilma Russell Yates, his Parents Tom and Rachel Yates, his Brother (Sonny) William, his Sisters, Mildred Harbin, Margaret Snider, Ruth Kaye, Mary Lou Summers, his Step Son, Albert Russell, his Nephews Charles Wade and Billy Frank Wade.
As a part of the Greatest Generation, Frank spent his life in supporting and giving to his church and community.
In the early 1930's Frank attended Elementary School with the Sisters at Sacred Heart Church on South C Street, and then graduated from Harlingen High School in 1944.
Frank was always proud that he was an Eagle Scout, with a Bronze Palm. He spent the rest of his life trying to live by the laws and principles of the scouting organization.
He attended Lone Star Boy's State in 1943.
After enlisting in the Army, Frank went to Europe for the German Occupation as WW2 was ending. His duty assignment was Military Police. He was discharged from the US Army on 12/5/1946, as a T/4th grade Sergeant. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2410, and the American Legion Post #0205.
Frank married his German war bride, Luzie Kohl at St. Anthony's Church, and then graduated from St. Mary's College. Frank kept contact with the Brothers at St. Mary's for their lifetimes.
Frank was an Alumni of Texas A & I at Kingsville, Texas and St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas where he received a BBA Degree, Cum Laude.
Frank and Luzie returned to Harlingen. He found employment with Central Power and Light, was an accountant, auditor, and became a District Auditor for CP&L prior to his retirement in 1982 after 32 years of service.
Frank was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, Member of Bishop Ledvina Assembly, and a 3rd degree Knight of the Kearlum Council #2785. He remained active in those duties. His own Father and 4 uncles were also 4th Degree Knights from the early days of the organization.
Frank became the President of the St. Anthony's Catholic Church Men's Club, and was a lecturer at Mass.
Frank was a Charter Member of the Harlingen Elk's Lodge, a Past Exalted Ruler for the Harlingen Elks Lodge #1889, and Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for Texas South.
Frank was active with the Red Cross as a First Aid Instructor, and a Water Safety Instructor Trainer. He taught lifesaving to many of our Harlingen youth and adults.
Frank was widowed in 1969, and later married Wilma Russell.
Frank was also a known local artist and became President of the Harlingen Art Forum, President of the Rio Grande Valley Art League, and a member of the Association for Valley Artists. He started his art during the early 1970's in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico. He has won awards and ribbons for his works, and had taken many workshops throughout the Valley. He has studied at the famous Schuler School of Fine Arts in Baltimore, Maryland, with Norma Knight, and the Scottsdale Art School in Arizona.
Frank believed in giving to others and was an active volunteer all of his life. He worked with the St. Vincent De Paul Society as a regular volunteer. He painted a mural on the wall of the downtown Harlingen building used by St. Vincent De Paul. One of his greatest joys involved his duties as a HOST Mentor. For years and years, Frank volunteered to teach children to read at the Harlingen Bonham Elementary School.
Frank is survived by his Daughters: Mildred Crawley, Jane Hollon, Mary Gilbert; Step Son: Bill Russell, Cousin: Mary Jean Allred Kroenig; 8 Grandchildren; 6 Great Grandchildren; 2 nephews and 2 nieces.
Rosary Services will be held on Tuesday, June 17th at 7 PM with visitation from 12 PM - 9 PM at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home, in Harlingen.
A Funeral Mass will be held on June 18th at 10 AM in St. Anthony's Church in Harlingen, with burial at Restlawn in La Feria.
You are invited to sign the guestbook or leave a memory at www.buckashcraft.com.
Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.