St. Clair County Obits

DONALD R. YOAKUM

Donald R. Yoakum, 77, of Osceola, passed away at his home on April 15, 2007. Donald was born on Dec. 28, 1929 in Richmond, the son of Millard Harlow and Grace Mae (West) Yoakum.
Don spent many years as a heavy equipment operator. he was a member of Local #101 Operating engineers of Kansas City and also a member of the Operating Engineers of California. He was an Army veteran serving during the Korean war. Don was a member of the VFW #4197 in Osceola and the American Legion in LaFeria. he was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #278 and the Shrine in Kansas City, Mo. In Sept., 2002, Don was united in marriage to Ronda S. Downhour. They spent their summers in Osceola and the winter months in Harlingen, Texas. Don and Ronda were fulltime RV’ers.
He is survived by: his loving wife, Ronda, of the home; a sister and brother-in-law, Fern Still and her husband, Lewis of Osceola; stepson, Ryan Gracey of Arlington, Texas; Luke Mathews and Johnnie Mathews, affectionately known as his ‘adopted sons’; Luke’s daughter, Kaitlynn Mathews; and many friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert Yoakum. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contribtutions to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in care of Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home. Final disposition, cremation. Masonic services will be held on Friday, April 20 at 7 p.m. at the Sheldon-Goodrich Chapel in Osceola. Arrangements are under the direction of Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home in Osceola. (Richmond Daily News, Apr., 2007