Patrick Yates

Hastings resident Patrick "Rick" Yates, 64, joined his heavenly father on Wednesday, October 23, 2013. He passed away at the University Of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska after a courageous 5-month battle with lung cancer.

Services with Masonic memorial tribute will be Monday, October 28, 2013; 10:30 A.M. at Grace United Methodist Church, Hastings with Rev. Dr. Lee R. Wigert officiating. Burial with military rites by Hastings Veterans Organizations will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. Memorials may be given to Rick G. Yates Memorial Fund. Visitation will be Saturday, October 26, 2013; 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. and Sunday, October 27, 2013; 1:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. with family present 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Visitation will also be one hour prior to service at the church on Monday.

Rick was born June 17, 1949 to Robert and Patricia (Callahan) Yates in San Bernardino, California. He was raised near San Bernardino, California. Rick graduated from Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California in 1967. He was drafted and served as a Combat Engineer in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, Rick moved to Hastings, Nebraska. He worked for Bilt-Rite Construction and earned a degree in Construction Technology at Central Community College in 1972. On August 15, 1975, Rick married Cheryl Bierman. This union was blessed with two children, Kristin and Jason Yates. Rick has worked at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska since 1979 as a Building Service Technician. He continued his training through night classes to become a Certified Refrigerant Technician. Rick was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. He was a member of Mid-West Lodge #317 A.F. & A.M., Eastern Star Acacia Chapter #39, the Scottish Rite, the Tehama Shrine and the Legion of Honor. He enjoyed serving an active role in these organizations and was a Past Master of Lodge #317 A.F. & A.M., Past Worthy Patron of Eastern Star, and 32nd Degree Mason. Rick also was a friend of Bill W. and spent many years volunteering at the Hastings Regional Center leading meetings for inmates. Rick was proud to become a Patriot Guard Rider. He felt it was his duty and privilege to see troops off, welcome them home, and escort their remains to their final resting place. Rick enjoyed fishing with family and friends and spending time at the lake. He spent every summer of his children's childhoods with them at Harlan County Reservoir. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fellowship with his Masonic motorcycle group, the Widow Sons, and taking part in motorcycle escorts for troops. Rick enjoyed coffee nights and playing cribbage with his wife and friends. He enjoyed tending his yard and garden in order to create a special place for his grandchildren. He had a love of the outdoors and enjoyed spending time there with his family and friends. He took special comfort in the companionship of his 4-legged therapy buddy - his rottie, Reggie. He will be dearly missed.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Ruth Bierman; father-in-law, LaVern Bierman; and beloved rottweilers, Kaycee and Dozer.

Survivors include:
Wife: Cheryl Yates - Hastings, NE
Children & Spouses: Jason & Sara Yates - Hickman, NE
Kristin & Charles Foreman - Lincoln, NE
Brandy & Rodney Goodwin - Kamloops, BC
Grandchildren: Kaden Yates
Natalie Foreman
Noah Foreman
Liam Foreman
Ashley Macdonell
Brittany Macdonell
Sister: Nancy Dickens - Santa Rosa, CA
Brothers & Spouse: Robert Yates - Napa, CA
David & Carol Yates - Napa, CA
Sister-in-law: Marilyn Bierman - Hastings, NE
Brother-in-law & Spouse: Wayne & Linda Bierman - Beatrice, NE
Other relatives and many friends