Howard Joseph Yates

Howard was born to the late Ella and James Walter Yates, Sr. Fourteen children were born from their union, nine boys and five girls, all of whom preceded him in death. Howard was number thirteen and the youngest boy. Howard was baptized a Catholic at a young age at St. Cyprian Catholic Church. He attended the D.C. Public schools and graduated from Phelps Vocational High School.

Howard had a passion for sports, which led him to play football and softball during his teenage years. The softball team he played on was organized, managed, and coached by his oldest brother Walter. The team included six Yates brothers. Coach Walter led the team to several championship seasons. Howard was a very talented and valuable softball player. He played three positions—pitcher, first base and short stop.

In 1947, Howard enlisted in the United States Army. After basic training in Fort Dix, New Jersey, he was deployed to Japan as a gun mechanic for the entire 24th Infantry Division. While he was there, Howard pursued his love for sports and joined a Japanese baseball team. He was being scouted by the Brooklyn Dodgers of New York when the Korean war broke out.

Howard’s regiment was among the first group of soldiers sent into battle. After months of fighting on one mountain after another, he was slightly wounded on September 4, 1950, but he returned quickly to the front line of duty. Just days later, while under another huge attack, Howard’s machine gun stalled. As he attempted to repair his gun, he was hit with mortar and seriously wounded. He was transported back to the United States to Walter Reed Hospital.

During his stay at Walter Reed, his first enlistment expired, but he immediately re-enlisted the next day and requested to go back to Korea to help his buddies. After months of recuperation, he eagerly returned to active duty once more with the 78th Transportation Outfit headed for France. While serving in France, he was selected to play on the all-star baseball team that traveled all over Europe. Howard was honorably discharged April 1, 1955.

He was awarded the Silver Star for Bravery, the Combat Infantry Badge and two Purple Hearts for his valiant efforts in Korea.

Upon his return to civilian life, he was employed by the Smithsonian Institution and was a Security Supervisor with the Office of Protection Services.

After 42 years of federal service, he retired from the Smithsonian Institution

May 31, 1990. During his tenure, he received numerous awards and citations for his excellent performance and leadership.

Howard was a good guy. He was a kind, generous, thoughtful person who would give you the shirt off his back. His legacy was his humor. He could always make you laugh and feel better after spending time with him.

Howard had unconditional love for his wife Martha of 68 years and his daughters Toni and Terri. Howard and Martha met at the ages of 12 and 13, became friends and remained friends till the end.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Martha; daughters Toni McCrae and Terri Hill; grandchildren Marcus McCrae, Darnez Hill, and Lyric Hill; six great-grandchildren; son-in-law Desi Hill; brother-in-law Frank Norman; sister-in-law Alice Yates; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and neighbors.

A visitation for Howard will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home. A celebration of life will occur Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 12:00 PM. A service of committal and interment will occur Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 1:00pm

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fort-lincoln.com for the Yates family.