Donald Lavalle Yates

Donald Lavalle Yates was born in Fort Wayne, IN. September 2nd, 1969, and departed from this world unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep on January 4th, 2024. He was the beloved son of Clayborne Yates and Willa Johnson (Yates).

Donald attended Indiana School for the Deaf in Indianapolis IN where he was the starting guard on the Boys Basketball Varsity Team from 1985-1988 (with his team winning the National Deaf Championship in 1987.) He was a member of two Central States School for the Deaf Championship teams, breaking multiple records (scoring over one thousand points) and chosen as an all-star three times as well as MVP. Donald was also on the varsity team for four years and a track star. He was well liked by his teammates and classmates and highly regarded as a skilled basketball player. With many accolades and awards achieved he later went on to become “Coach Donald” coaching the CSSD basketball team.

Donald loved his family, friends, basketball, and learning. In his latter years he began to diligently seek the Lord and became more spiritually connected. He was very determined to continue his education at Ivy Tech Community College for general studies and computer technology despite his hearing impairment and being almost legally blind. He was in the process of taking steps toward pre- admission into the Helen Keller National Center for the Deaf and Blind.

Despite his many obstacles he never complained. He was out going, ambitious, driven, exceedingly kind, humble, tech savvy, and loved to laugh. He was truly loved by his friends and family and will be greatly missed.

Donald was preceded in death by father, Clayborne Yates; nephew, Clayborne Woods III; sister, Tanya Norman; and nephew Dominick Yates.

Donald leaves to cherish in his loving memory, mother, Willa Johnson; brother, Abner Holly; sister, Zandra Worlds; sister, Sharon Easley; brother, Clayborne Woods (Tonia Woods); sister, Tara Brown (Tyrese Brown); sister, Shira Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He also leaves a special niece, Nakia Powers and a special nephew Louis Powers.

A memorial service for Donald will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the East Chestnut Church of Christ, 3601 Chestnut St, Fort Wayne, IN 46803.