Gabriel Keenan Yates

If you knew Gabriel Keenan Yates, you would know he came into this world embracing the vigor and tenacity that many came to love him for.

He was born July 13, 1992 in Lake Charles to Jimmy and Melissa Yates and from a young age, he never met a stranger. He inherited his love of music from his father and his charismatic and humorous personality from his mother. His parents vividly recount, at age four, he snuck away from the restaurant table to watch a live band play. His parents looking for him, found him, his infectious smile across his face, atop the drummer’s knee proudly tapping away on a cymbal. It was his first “Social Gig” and where he earned himself a set of drumsticks.

He possessed a kind heart, and was loyal to his faith, his family and his friends. He attended Gulf Breeze High School, where he was the Captain of the football team.  He was a member of the “Gabe & Ryan Band”, playing various shows with his father happily accompanying them as the Roadie.

He was disciplined and well versed in the love he had for his faith. He always set time aside to read his bible, reflecting on the love our Lord has for us; John 3:16 being one of his favorite Bible verses. His deep love and respect for his faith could also be seen in the charismatic lyrics of his music and poetry, the slow and steady application of brush strokes or pencil to paper. The art he loved the most, he kept close to him, adorning himself with works of art one of which, the Lord’s Prayer, he wore upon his forearm.

Shortly after high school he returned to the place he came to call home, helping his mother at their restaurant KD’s Diner. He brought his love of music and poetry to those around him, enjoying jam sessions with fellow co-workers, patrons, but no one more important than his father.

Gabriel was called Home on March 11, 2021 although our hearts mourn his passing, remember that “Time Flies”, ride to the rhythm of life knowing he is with you in this rhapsody of life, from every Clef to Coda.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his maternal grandmother, Beverly Pittman; and paternal grandparents, Nathan and Nell Yates; and an uncle, Nathan Yates.

Those left to cherish his memory are his parents; his siblings, Jonathan Nelson, Kristin Yates, Allyson (Jeremy) McAbee; nieces and nephews, Layla, Chase, Lilly, Liam, Azlynn, Levi, and Ainsley; his grandfather Tiny Pittman; extended family; and his girlfriend Crystal Dutton.

The family will welcome friends on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at University Baptist Church beginning at 10am until time of service. A celebration of his life will begin at 3pm. Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.