Edward Dale “Eddie” Yonkman, age 85, of Pikeville, died Wednesday December 11, 2013 at Life Care of Rhea County. He was born March 11, 1928 in Detroit, MI to the late Edward and Ouida (McClure) Yonkman. He was also preceded in death by his first wife Patricia (Taylor) Yonkman.
Eddie served his country in the U.S. Army. He lived in Fort Lauderdale, FL from 1943 to 1983 where he earned his FBI certification and was employed by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department as Deputy Chief. In 1983, he retired to Dayton Mountain where he cleared his land and built his home. He enjoyed woodworking, deep-sea fishing and golf. He was a member of the Pikeville United Methodist Church.
Eddie is survived by his wife, Joan (Lauer) Yonkman of Pikeville, his two sons Edward Dale (Lori) Yonkman of Holywood, FL and Chip (Cheryl) Cotton of Arlington, VA, his two daughters Sandra (Paul Mays) Yonkman of Hernando Beach, FL and Julie (Jeff) Deichert of Dayton, eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Eddie will be held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Eastern (1:00 p.m. Central) at the Pikeville United Methodist Church with Pastor Greg Smart officiating. He will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pikeville United Methodist Church for the Prayer Garden.
Please share your memories of Eddie on his on-line guest register at
www.vanderwallfh.com
.
The family is being served by the Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton where they will receive friends Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (Eastern).