Leroy J. Yates, age 80, of Windham passed away peacefully into eternal rest on Thursday March 24, 2011 at St. Joseph's Eastland Hospital with his family by his side. Leroy was born on Oct. 2, 1930 in Kingmont, WV the son of the late Chester Leroy Yates and Helen Jane (Drake) & Step- father Frank Lavigna. He married the love of his life Virginia W. Gano on Nov. 22, 1952, and they enjoyed 58 years of marriage together. He has lived in Windham since 1960, formerly of Kingmont, WV. Leroy worked as a machine operator at Van Huffel Tube in Warren for 30 years retiring in 1985. Leroy served his country faithfully in the US Navy during the Korean War from 1951-1955. He was a member of the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Windham, and the Knights of Columbus also in Windham. First and foremost Leroy loved his family and spending time with them, but his passion was sports, especially basketball, bowling, golf, baseball, and traveling. He is preceded in death by his parents , and 1 brother Frank Lavigna. Memories of Leroy will be carried on by his family: His wife: Virginia W. Yates of Windham, OH 1 Daughter: Judy & Greg Trimble of Braceville, OH 1 Sister: Theresa & Ed Perrine of Southington, OH 5 grandchildren: Chris & Cindy McCoy of Braceville Corey McCoy and Ryan McCleary of Leavittsburg, OH Josh Trimble and Krissy Weidenfeller of Cadillac, MI Cassidy & Chris Wedman of Warren, OH Ashley Trimble and Nate Fela of Akron, OH 4 Great Grandchildren: Somer, Nadia , Laura McCoy, Brenna McCleary The family will receive friends for calling hours at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls on Sunday March 27, 2011 from 5 - 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls on Monday March 28, 2011 at 10:30am and then at St. Michaels Catholic Church 9736 East Center St. Windham, OH 44288 at 11:00 am. Father Leo Wehrlin will serve as the celebrant. Leroy will be laid to rest at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Newton Falls. Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440. Family and friends may view this obituary online and send condolences to www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com