WATERBURY – It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mr. Derek Lamar Yates Sr., age 51, of Waterbury, say farewell for now, to our beloved father, brother, son and uncle, following his peaceful passing on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Waterbury Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved lifelong soulmate of Karen LeVasseur.

Derek was born on December 14, 1974, in Waterbury, Connecticut, the son of Jerry and Louetta (Parker) Yates. He spent two remarkable decades as an enamel specialist at Luvata and previously worked at UniMetal Surface Finishing as a shipping and receiving manager in the Quality Rolling and Deburring department. An avid sports enthusiast, he had a passion for teams like the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia 76ers. He enjoyed playing spades and bowling with friends and family, participating in leagues for the last 20 years. His dedication to his work was surpassed only by his love for family, which was his greatest joy. A protector and a gentle soul, Derek's family meant everything to him, particularly his children, who were the light of his life. May his memory inspire all of us to cherish our loved ones and celebrate the moments we have together.

Besides his beloved parents and his love, Karen, left to cherish and honor his memory are his children: Alaysia Yates, Derek L. Yates Jr., and Alayna Yates, Karen's children that were loved like Derek's own: Wallace L. Wiggins III, Jordan L. Wiggins and Karen's grandchild that Derek loved like his own: Wallace L. Wiggins IV, his brother, Gary D. Yates and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members and beloved friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Yates will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Care 1987 East Main St Waterbury, CT 06705. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with Derek’s family from 10:00 a.m. until the service commences at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in New Pine Grove Cemetery in Waterbury. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Derek to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts of condolence.