Richard D. Yoakum

Richard D. Yoakum, 73, passed from this life on Saturday, December 3, 2022. He was the loving husband of Linda (Chyrek) Yoakum and they celebrated fifty-two years of marriage this year. Born in Portland, Oregon, Richard was the son of the late James and Lillian (Sundsten) Yoakum.

Richard grew up in Oregon and developed a love for the west coast. He particularly enjoyed Pacific City. In 1965, his family moved to Timonium, MD where he graduated from Dulaney High School. It was this move that brought him to meet the love of his life, Linda, who though a bit reluctantly went on a first date was eventually won over by his charm and good looks.  They started a life together in 1970 in Perry Hall, MD where they welcomed their first son, Jason. They next purchased their first home in Hillendale, MD, where they resided for 5 ½ years and in 1977 welcomed their second son, Matthew. Now with a larger family they needed a bigger home, and built a new family home in Shrewsbury, PA where they have lived for the past 46 years. Richard was a lively part of the “Magnolia Circle” community, well known for his giving spirit and always ready with a good story.

Over the past 24 years, Richard fully embraced the role of Bapa, as his grandchildren call him, the title coined by the first grandchild LilyAnn. He was his grandchildren’s biggest supporter, watching countless softball and soccer games, wrestling matches, choir and band concerts, and school plays. He enjoyed taking them on day trips to Washington, D.C. or weekends to Williamsburg, VA. Each of them could tell a great story about riding somewhere with Bapa- seatbelts required.

Richard loved collecting data and could put Alexa to shame. If you needed a new car, TV, or camera, he was the man to ask. He was better than a subscription to Consumer Reports and eagerly researched the options to present the best to his family and friends. He was the ultimate party planner, teaching us all that no one leaves a Yoakum party hungry. He was always in charge of the 10 lbs. of shrimp or 6 different kinds of salsa. His keys were always in hand for a run to the store to get whatever anyone needed. Richard had the kindest heart and was always eager and willing to help in any way he could.

Richard’s loving family in addition to his wife includes: two children, Jason Yoakum and his spouse, Tanis of Shrewsbury, and Matthew Yoakum and his spouse, Michael Meckley of Shrewsbury; three grandchildren, LilyAnn, Madison, and Garrian; two siblings, Lisa McAllister and her late husband, Bill Roy of Lake Tahoe, NV, and Gary Yoakum and his spouse, Debbie Lane of Carson City, NV; a niece and nephews.

Close family is respectfully invited to attend a viewing on Saturday, December 10th, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon and friends are invited to join at 12 noon at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 24 N. 2 ^nd Street, New Freedom, PA 17349 with a Funeral Service beginning at 1 p.m. Interment is private and at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Richard’s memory to: http://aevidum.com/cms/index.php/give-in-memory/ . To leave condolences for the family, please visit Richard’s personal webpage on our website at HartensteinCares.com.