CELINA, Ohio — Ray Yates, age 56, of Celina, Ohio passed away at 3:38p.m. on Sunday May 31, 2015, at the Adams Memorial Hospital in Decatur, Indiana. He was born on Sept. 21, 1958, in Shelbyville, Kentucky, to J. Wilbur Yates of Auburn, Indiana, and the late Virginia (Wakefield) Yates. On June 21, 1997, he married Dawn Stiverson, who survives in Celina. Also surviving are his children, Matthew Douglas of South Bend, Indiana, Craig and Rachel Yates of Virginia, Cara and Brad Kelley of Belton, Missouri, Teelier and Dan Wilson of West Lafayette, Indiana, Miriah Wentz of Celina, Misty Powers of Celina, and Clay Yates of Celina; six grandchildren, Natalie Kelley, Angeline Wilson, Thomas Wilson, Audrie Yates, Emilie Yates and Eli Yates; a sister and brother-in-law, Kimberlee and Jason Powell of Granger, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Onna Feece; and two infant brothers, Mark Yates and David Yates. Ray graduated from Lakeland High School with the class 1976 and attended Ivy Tech in Fort Wayne and Glenn Oaks College in Michigan. He was employed at Fanning Howey Associates in Celina as a Auto-CAD technician. He worked in the field of drafting for 39 years. He attended the Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert. Ray was a dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. As a loyal Colts and Notre Dame fan Ray always looked forward to football season. Following high school he enjoyed performing in summer musical productions often having lead roles. He continued to perform for church and community events. Ray had a wonderful sense of humor that will be missed by all. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2015, at the Grace Missionary Church in Celina, with the Rev. Bruce Head officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn, Indiana, at 3:30 p.m. Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today at the Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home in Celina and 1 hour before services on Thursday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideon International. Online condolences may be left at LHDfuneralhome.com.