Gerald "Jerry" Duane Yates

Born October 31, 1956, in the coal town of Brownsville, PA, the third and youngest child of pastor Clifford C. Yates and Ruth E. (Black) Yates. The Yates’, enterprising and active in their faith, would move their young family to Dayton, Ohio, shortly after Jerry’s birth. There, they were instrumental in founding the Christian Life Center in 1962, laying the groundwork that would last a lifetime for Jerry. A childhood and community based around the church, and of course, that other prominent cathedral of the 50s and 60s, the baseball diamond. A setting and lifestyle that instilled a true spirit and passion for the game, a shadow to his older brother (Mike), along with hearing the stories from Cliff of baseball games played on the decks of aircraft carriers at sea, and what about Dom DiMaggio! That simple game would be a central and lasting tenet of his life, playing through his youth, into adulthood, and eventually sharing the gift of the game with the next generation.

Jerry attended Meadowdale (Dayton) High School in the early 70s during (the) golden age of rock and roll, the unsanctioned curriculum of the times. It’s no doubt he excelled in the school of rock and would freely share the lessons he learned from seeing such sages as Robin Trower and the Who perform live. A contagious love of music that he willingly shared with others. It was also around this time of musical discovery that he began to recognize and develop a mechanical mind, specifically applying it to automobiles. Eventually, he would land at Walker Oldsmobile on Salem Ave., working as a mechanic. The job would prove to be a gateway to his future life on multiple levels. Beginning with the day he took a chance, wheeled out from under the car he was repairing, and asked a young Administrative Specialist, named Beverly Kimmel, for a date. Love grew, a bond formed, and they married on November 11, 1978, a partnership that would span 46 years by the end. Jerry and Bev settled in Kettering, where they would begin and eventually raise their family, Justin coming on September 9, 1982, followed by Amanda on January 26, 1986.

Though it began with the begrudging forfeiture of his motorcycle, fatherhood would prove to be Jerry’s greatest role. Always present, encouraging, pushing an active lifestyle through participation and reminding to…” leave things better than you found them”. Whether as a little league coach or dance dad, his reserved and gentle nature was a conduit of support. He consistently and quietly modeled a strong work ethic, often holding down multiple jobs while still finding time in the evenings and weekends to be an exemplary neighbor. Life’s lessons are often instilled through actions more than words. His subtle confidence and love, understated, warm, and encompassing, will be missed by those he touched.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Beverly; son, Justin(Paige) of Medford(OR), daughter, Amanda(Nick) of Springboro; 4 grandchildren(Gabe, Ada, Audrey, Turner); sister, Debra(Steve) of Springboro, and brother Michael(Eve) of Chicago(IL).

Visitation will be Saturday August 2, 2025 at the Anderson Funeral Home 40 N. Main St Springboro from 11am to 1pm followed by the Funeral Service at 1pm with Pastor Phillip Moon officiating. Burial will be in Springboro Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the American Cancer Society in Jerry's name.

The family