Mr. Tommy Yates

Tommy Yates

Tommy Yates, 79 years of age, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2024 in Pearland,
Texas. Tommy was born on September 26, 1944, in Youngstown, Ohio. Tommy was
adopted by Robert and Viola Pennell Yates who had 11 children between them (the
Yates and Pennell children). Tommy was the youngest of all the Yates/Pennell
children and all his brothers and sisters have proceeded him in death.
Tommy was raised in Youngstown, Ohio but he also spent a great deal of time in St.
Joseph, Missouri. Upon graduating Rayen High School in Youngstown, Ohio in
1962 Tommy attended Highland Jr. College in Kansas. Upon leaving Highland Jr.
College Tommy enrolled at Youngstown State University and then enlisted in the
Navy in 1966. Tommy served on the U.S.S. Volador submarine and was honorably
discharged from the Navy in 1972.
Tommy specialized in electronics while in the Navy and went to work for the Ohio
Edison Electric Company upon leaving the Navy. Tommy married his first wife
Gwendolyn Shipp in 1966 and they had three sons (Tommy, Bobby, and Terry).
Tommy and Gwen raised their family in Youngstown, Ohio and he received his
Bachelor of Administration degree from Youngstown State University in 1982.
Tommy was promoted to district Manager of the Ravenna area by Ohio Edison in
1979 and moved to Rootstown, Ohio in 1980. Tommy was the 1 st Black District
Manager at Ohio Edison.
Tommy married his second wife Lorrie Cipriano in 1998 and he retired from Ohio
Edison in 2001. After retiring he started a 2nd career in the Real Estate field and
spent a lot of time in Florida and at his Lake Erie condo in Ohio with Lorrie. Tommy
loved the ocean and lake…he just loved the water.
Tommy divorced and moved to Texas in 2017 to be near two of his sons and his six
grandkids. While in Texas, Tommy met and married Angelica Vallin in June of 2022.
Angelica stayed by his side until his death.
Tommy was strong-willed, fun-loving, big hearted, and very smart. Tommy was
always there to help others. He was a loving father and grandfather and throughout
his life he constantly helped family and friends with a place to live, a job, advice, the
loan of a car, or money. Tommy loved boating, the ocean, golf, sports, and spending
time with family and friends. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeye, Cleveland
Browns, and Cleveland Indians fan.
Tommy is survived by his wife Angelica; three sons Tommy, Bobby, and Terry; and
six grandchildren Tyler, Dylan, Kayla, Leah, Carter, and Miles.
Tommy’s funeral will be held on May 16, 2024 at 11:00 am at All Peoples’ Funeral Home
located at 13035 Highway 6, Rosharon, Texas. Burial will follow immediately
afterwards at Houston National Cemetery at 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston,
Tx 77038.

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