Lee Yoakum

Lee A. Yoakum passed away Thursday, April 6, 2017 in Joplin Missouri. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Potts Chapel of Independence, Kansas. Burial will follow at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 11th from 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Family will greet friends from 6 - 8pm.

Lee A. Yoakum was born March 14, 1937 at Tulsa Oklahoma. He was adopted by Kenneth and Letha (Human) Yoakum. His father was relocated throughout Oklahoma many times while working for the US Soil Conservation Service. Much of Lee's youth was spent in the Ada and Purcell Oklahoma areas and he graduated from Purcell High School in 1955.

He married Jeanette (Jan) L. Burt on Dec. 21, 1955 in Ada, Oklahoma and she survives. Together they begin life in Tulsa for several years at Spartan Aircraft. They moved to Independence Kansas in the early 1960's where Lee began a 30+ year career with Union Gas System. He retired from there and became involved with security services. He spent many years performing services for Independence High School at dances, games and parking lot security. He spent a short time driving the school bus in the Independence area also. Lee also served in the US Navy Reserves as a lithographer and in nuclear weapons for 33 years retiring at the rank of Chief Petty Officer in 1989.

His commitment to the community could be easily recognized through his many years with the Montgomery County Sheriff Reserves as a Special Deputy. One of the proudest achievements for Lee was all the years as a baseball coach from little league to Babe Ruth and American Legion baseball teams. He was quite proud of many his players and followed many of them throughout their life.

In the late 90's Lee was able to locate his natural mother Janie along with his brother Paul Armstrong. Both preceded him in death. Paul and Jackie Armstrong of Oklahoma City along with Susan, Marsha, Bud and their children have been a true blessing along with all the added family as well.

His commitment to youth is obvious but none more so than the adoption of three children Kenneth, LeAnn and Jay. Lee and Jan also gave birth to a daughter Lori. Kenneth and Lisa Yoakum reside in Arma while Lori and her soul mate Tommy Amberg reside in Pittsburg. He is also survived by his two beautiful granddaughters Jessica (Yoakum) Anderson and husband Eli of Pittsburg and Jordan Yoakum of Arma. Sadly, LeAnn and Jay preceded him in death.

Visitation

Potts Chapel
122 South Penn Ave.
Independence, KS  67301
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
12-8pm, family 6-8pm

Service

Potts Chapel
122 South Penn Ave.
Independence, KS  67301
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
1:00 pm

Cemetery

Mount Hope Cemetery
Penn Ave.
Independence, KS  67301