It is with great sadness that the family of Michael (Mike) Lee Yates announces his passing at the age of 72, on Friday, May 7, 2021 at his residence in Springhill, Florida after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was born January 16, 1949 in Columbus OH to the late Harold A. and Lillian A. (Coon) Yates. Michael graduated from Saint Mary's High School in Columbus OH in 1967. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Master Sargeant in 1988. After his military retirement, he worked as a civilian in many different fields of interest. He also owned businesses dealing in sport cards, coins and photography. He ended his career in 2020 retiring as an Emergency Management Regional Dispatch Manager for the U.S. Navy in Norfolk VA. Mike was an avid Ohio State Buckeye Fan and High School Basketball Official for 30+ years. Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Sisters Yvonne Roberts and Rita (Fred) McNash; brother James R. Yates; Father-in-Law Bennie Gonzales. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Selina; children, Christopher (Carolyn) Yates, Boulder CO and Victoria (Shawn) Yates-Cramblit, Grove City OH; grandchildren, Xander and Cyrus Yates; Brothers Harold Robert (MaryJo) Yates, Gahanna OH and William R. (Carol King) Yates, Millersport OH; Sister Patti (Sam) Noteman, Millersport OH; and Mother-in Law Martha Gonzales, Pueblo CO; numerous other beloved family members and friends. Friends may gather Saturday, May 29, 2021 starting at 2 pm at O. R. Woodyard Funeral South Chapel: 1346 S. High St. Columbus, OH 43207. A Celebration of Life memorial will be held on at 2:30 pm. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a later date with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, family and friends may make memorial contributions to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa FL 33612 https://give.moffitt.org/site/Donation2?1722.donation=form1&df_id=1722&mfc_pref=T Zoom link for service Saturday 2:30pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81583305051?pwd=QXZKaWJpeUhabU1VYS9NY1BKeDJPZz09 Cemetery Details Arlington National Cemetery 1 Memorial Drive Arlington, VA 22202 Loading map Previous Events Celebration of Life MAY 29. 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (ET) O. R. Woodyard Co. Funeral & Cremation Services - South Chapel 1346 S. High St. Columbus, OH 43207 Loading map