Lawrence Douglas "Doug" Yates

Lawrence Douglas "Doug" Yates, 76, of Sunnyvale, Texas, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on March 6, 2024, while working in South Texas. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Paula Crayton Yates; son Greg Yates and Stephanie Jansky (Oak Point); daughter Ashlee Yates and Joshua Gillie (Ft. Worth); granddaughter Lauren Yates and Lina Ron (Celina); grandson Michael Douglas Yates (Lewisville); great-granddaughter Emma Yates; brothers-in-law Thomas Comer and Will Crayton; sister-in-law Kelly Crayton; cousin Michael Yates; multiple nieces and nephews; and his beloved four-legged child, Trixie Belle.

He is preceded in death by his parents, G.W. Yates and Virley Finley Yates; brother Gerald Yates; in-laws Paul Ray Crayton and Margaret Pritchett Crayton; sisters-in-law Margaret Yates Miller and Pamela Crayton Comer; and nephew-in-law Pat Fischer.

Doug grew up in Eastern Dallas County and remained a lifelong resident of the area. He graduated from W.W. Samuell High School in 1965, where he attended with his childhood sweetheart and future wife, Paula Crayton. Doug and Paula were married on August 7th, 1965. Less than a year later, in 1966, Doug joined the United States Marine Corps. After basic training, he was assigned to the "Flying Tigers" of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron HMH-361 as a crew chief/door gunner in the Vietnam War. Due to his actions under intense enemy fire, many wounded soldiers were able to be evacuated from combat and moved to areas to receive lifesaving care. His exploits are recorded for posterity at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

After serving his country for six years in the Marine Corps, Doug and Paula returned to the Dallas area, where he joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 59 as an apprentice electrician. For the next 4 years, Doug held the top ranking of his class. At the conclusion of his apprenticeship, he was recognized by the I.B.E.W. national leadership as the only apprentice to have ever been recognized as the Apprentice of the Year throughout their four-year apprenticeship. Doug went on to obtain his Master Electrician license and maintained his membership in the I.B.E.W. for over fifty years. In 1980, Doug and Paula went into business for themselves, creating Yates Electric Service, which they own and operate to this very day.

Doug was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing for all freshwater species, but he especially loved bass fishing. He made multiple trips to Mexico and Canada, as well as fishing throughout the United States. He won multiple bass tournament championships, angler of the year titles, and individual events. Later in life, he worked part-time at Bass Pro Shops in Garland. He used his expertise in electronics to provide unparalleled support to customers. His passion for teaching and electronic performance earned him recognition from the corporate office, as he was named Bass Pro Shops National Associate of the Year. He had a passion for collecting antique fishing tackle, and his award-winning collection has been featured in Bassmaster Magazine.

Doug was a phenomenal baseball and fast-pitch softball player. He was listed as one of the top men's fast pitch players in Dallas and in Southern California while in the Marine Corps. He was routinely ranked as one of the top home run hitters in every league he played. Later in life, he supported his children in their sports endeavors and never missed a game.

Doug loved to travel with his wife, Paula. Their travels often ended up encompassing more laughs than miles. Doug was always the willing navigator and only wanted to make his wife happy with frequent and impromptu stops at estate sales, fruit stands, highly regarded restaurants, and ice cream shops. Doug was an animal lover and never met a dog he didn't love.

Doug will be incredibly missed by his family, friends, business acquaintances, fishing buddies, and fellow Marines. Semper Fi.

If you wish to make a donation in honor of Doug, his family suggests contributions to one of the following:

Gary Sinise Foundation, P.O. Box 40726 Nashville, Tennessee 40726 www.garysinisefoundation.org

 Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation, 2914 Swiss Avenue Dallas, Texas 75204 www.tpwf.org

FAST (Friends of Animals of Sunnyvale, Texas), 605 E. Tripp Road Sunnyvale, Texas 75182 Paypal: @SunnyvaleAnimals