Donald Gaylord Yokum, age 83 of Ventura, California, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 18th at his longtime home in Ventura, California. Don was born in Northern California to Kay and Gaylord (Pappy) Yokum on 12/25/1937 in Stockton, California. He never fully recovered from being a Christmas Baby less a pithy quip to a State Patrolman whilst receiving a traffic citation. He went to high school at Benicia High School and graduated in 1955. He went on to the California State Maritime Academy in Vallejo, California and earned an Engineering Degree and traveled the world before settling first in San Francisco and later to Southern California where he first lived in Long Beach and then moved to Ventura for approximately 35 years. In Long Beach he met and made many treasured lifelong relations and received Spiritual Guidance from the Reverend Dr. O. Lee Jaggers and his wife Dr. Miss Velma that cemented him on his path of destiny as a loving Husband, Father, Friend, Grandparent, and Great Grandparent. He was an eloquent, cerebral, and emotive raconteur in addition to being a warm and loving soul who was loved deeply by Family and Friends alike, and will be missed by so many after gracing us with his with his long and meaningful life of Love and Support.
Don was an avid traveler having visited all 50 states and 40 or more countries, and was a consumer of culture and history, especially Italian culture and cuisine, and was deeply fond of California history, and loved touring all museums and cultural attractions. As a Marine Engineer, Don’s love of all things nautical also was manifested in many trips to shipyards and the like, including his marriage aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Don was a licensed Professional Engineer for well over 50 Years in the State of California and was recognized accordingly for that enormous Professional Accomplishment.
Don is survived by sons Mike Yokum, David and Gary Crutchfield; Grand Children Nicole Du, Genevieve Hulbert, Andrea Thomas, and Matthew Crutchfield; and also has many great grandchildren as well as loving companion Barbara Burnett. He was preceded in death by His Daughter Laura Yokum, Wife Geri Yokum, and Golden Retrievers Buddy, Bailey, and DeeBee.
In lieu of Flowers, memorial donations may be made to The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation in Ventura County. The Family Wishes to extend their gratitude to all Military and First Responders, and especially to the Ventura EMS. Sláinte, Fair Winds, and Following Seas with Love, Gratitude, and Remembrance from all of your endeared Family and Friends.
Visiting hours will be held at the BOYKO & REARDON TELEGRAPH ROAD MORTUARY & CREMATION, 15 Teloma Drive, Ventura, Wednesday, May 26th from 3 to 6 pm with an open casket from 4:30 to 6 pm. Arrangements are being made under the direction of Michael Boyko who may be reached directly at (805) 765-4137.
A gathering of Family and Friends will be hosted thereafter as Don loved Entertaining and this would be a lovely sendoff for a man that we all loved and cared for deeply.