Robert E. "Bob" Yates Jr. passed away April 16, 2013 at his home in Spring Branch, Texas. He was born on November 20, 1938 in East Montpelier, VT to parents Robert E. Yates, Sr. and Beatrice (Broe) Yates. Bob was a graduate of Montpelier High School Class of '56. He later graduated from Syracuse University in 1960 playing on the 1959 Collegiate National Championship Orangemen football team. Bob was named First Team All American in recognition of his gritty play. Following the Orangemen's 23-14 victory in the 1960 Cotton Bowl, Yates was married to first wife Sarah (Morrison) Yates on January 2, 1960. Yates played pro ball for the then AFL Boston Patriots from 1960 to 1965. Following his professional career, he coached and taught at the high school and collegiate levels. In 1979, he returned to his native Vermont to coach the Burlington High School Seahorse football team, which he transformed from a winless program to a state title runner up in 1987. This past fall, Bob was inducted into the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame's Inaugural Class. He is predeceased by his parents Robert E. Yates, Sr., Beatrice (Broe) Yates; and brother Mike Yates. He is survived by the three sons of his first marriage: Scott Yates (wife Sharon) of Austin, TX; Tim Yates of Verdi, NV; Steve Yates (wife Jessika) of Monkton, VT; sister Nancy Anderson of Berlin, VT; Brother Paul Anderson of Antrim, NH; second wife Fay Farrar Yates; step daughters Rena Baisden and Ruth Kupcha. He is also survived by grandchildren Tory Yates of Colorado Springs, CO, Conor Yates of Austin, TX and Orion Yates of Monkton, VT.

A Vermont Remembrance Service will be held at The Old Meeting House in East Montpelier Center at 10:00 am Saturday, May 18. The Old Meeting House is located at 1620 Center Road, East Montpelier, VT. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the Parsonage. Interment will be at the Doty Cemetery in East Montpelier.