Donald Leon Yates, 76 of Mechanicsville, MD passed away peacefully on October 8, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. Don was born August 10, 1937 in Tazewell, VA to the late Levi Jett and Della Mae (Asbury) Yates. He was the ninth of ten children.

In 1954, he left home to join the United States Air Force. Honorably discharged in 1958, he continued his service to our country through his dual employment at Andrews Air Force Base as an Aircraft Mechanic and USAF Reservist in the 459th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance (CAM) Squadron. He participated in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Urgent Fury. Upon his retirement in 1994, he had attained the Reservist rank of SMSGT and was a flight line supervisor. He was a patriot to his country and extremely proud of his combined 42 years of military service.

On November 10, 1967, he married Dorothy "Joanne" Purdy. Through nearly 46 years of marriage they loved their way through life's joys and challenges. They were blessed with two daughters, Donna and Michele.

Don dearly loved his family and was the happiest when he was with them. He was tremendously proud of his grandchildren and was a loving presence in their lives. He enjoyed playing cards and was a regular at the Charlotte Hall Senior Center Pinochle games. He was a lifelong Washington Redskins fan and enjoyed rooting for the Washington Nationals.

Don is survived by his devoted wife Joanne; daughters, Donna Marie Tucker (Jeff) of Clements, MD and Michele Christine Smith (Kurt) of Mechanicsville, MD; brother, Harry E. Yates of Tazewell, VA; sister, Pearl Harmon of Abingdon, VA; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews. He will be especially missed by his adored grandchildren, Megan, Ryan and Hannah Tucker of Clements, MD. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his grandsons, Quinton Joseph and Caleb Leon Smith; brothers, James, Garnett, Jack, Clyde, Woodrow and Roger Yates; and sister, Pauline Toney.

Family will receive friends for Don's Life Celebration on Friday, October 11, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Funeral Service will be conducted by Father John Ball on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, MD. Serving as pallbearers will be Jeff Tucker, Kurt Smith, Ryan Tucker, Donald Purdy, Richard Purdy, and Tom Purdy.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.