Lawrence D. Yates, Ph.D.

Yates, Lawrence D., PhD Dec 11, 1951 - Jul 15, 2016 Age 64 of Omaha. Lawrence Yates died after a battle with cancer, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Dallas, TX on December 11, 1951 to Dr. Charles D. and Elvina M. Yates. Lawrence received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry in 1975, and a Master of Science Degree in Animal Breeding in 1977 from Texas A&M University. He received a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Meat and Animal Science in 1982 from University of Wisconsin-Madison. On March 25, 1983, he married Bernice Helen Yates in Beresford, SD. Lawrence served as a National Institute of Health Senior Research Fellow at the University of Washington, School of Medicine from 1982-1988; as an Assistant Professor at Oklahoma State University from 1988-1994; as the Executive Director of the Nebraska Beef Council from 1994-1999; and as Vice President of Quality Control and Compliance Red Oak Farms, Inc. from 1998-2000. In 2000, he was hired by the U S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), where he has served with distinction up to the present. Lawrence was primarily involved in and responsible for major Departmental initiatives in meat quality and carcass composition. Throughout his career, Lawrence has been recognized by his peers through numerous awards and recognitions. He was recognized twice by the Secretary of Agriculture through the Honor's Award program in 2004 and 2010, by the Agricultural Marketing with a Service Distinguished Service Award in 2010, and the American Meat Science Associations' Special Recognition Award in 2016. As a person of great faith, he particularly enjoyed his work with Table Grace Ministries; he had a passion for serving the hungry, homeless, and those less fortunate. He also enjoyed his Church groups, and was grateful for their support and care during his illness. Lawrence's loss leaves a gap in the hearts and minds of his loved ones and many friends. He is survived by his wife, Bernice, of Omaha; daughter, Maia Aman (son-in-law Michael Aman) of Littleton CO; daughter, Tina Moessner (son-in-law John Moessner) of Kansas City KS; step-mother Ouida Yates of Farmersville TX; sisters, Charlene Yates of Dallas TX, Barbara Rassofsky of Laurel MD, and Solveig Gustafson of Traverse City MI; and numerous cousins. Preceding him in death were his parents, Charles Yates and Elvina Yates; brother, Mike; and step-brother Gene. PRAYER SERVICE WITH SHARING at 7pm on Tuesday, July 19, at Braman Mortuary Southwest Chapel. CELEBRATION OF LIFE at 11am on Wednesday, July 20, at Augustana Lutheran Church, 3647 Lafayette Ave, Omaha, NE 68131; with Lunch following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Table Grace Ministries, 1611 1/2 Farnam St, Omaha NE 68102 (www.tablegracecafe.com); or Augustana Lutheran Church, 3647 Lafayette Ave, Omaha, NE 68131.