Clarence Charles Yochum

Clarence "Charles" Yochum Jr. was born in Summit Oklahoma on May 5, 1932, to Beulah Meeks Yochum and Clarence Yochum Sr.

Charles grew up for most of his life in Okay Oklahoma, but he also lived a short time in Oregon as a child. Charles loved to relate stories about his life in Oregon. The family would humorously refer to these stories as being on "The Oregon Trail ".

After returning from Oregon, Charles again attended school at Okay. He graduated with honors and was valedictorian of the 1950 graduating class. (and years later he also served on the Okay school board). Upon graduation, Charles accepted a basketball scholarship to Connors Junior college in Warner Ok. It was during this time that he met his future wife Helen Pann, who passed away in 2002.

Charles was a lineman by profession. He began his lineman career with PSO in Tulsa Oklahoma. He later accepted a position with LE Myers construction company. While working for LE Myers he was promoted to superintendent and oversaw building electric high lines not only in Oklahoma, but also Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. After retirement from LE Myers, Sargent & Lundy, approached him to become an electrical engineer with their firm, which brought him back to Oregon for a short time.

Charles retired again this time permanently to his LAZY Y Farm, having moved from Okay Oklahoma to Gilmer Texas in 1971. It was here Charles along with his son, David enjoyed training and raising thoroughbred horses and quarter horses. Charles' ability to relate blood lines and pedigrees of horses was amazing. He could recall races from years in the past. He had a passion for horses that began early in his life.

However, the most important event in Charle’s life happened in 1956 when he gave his heart and life to Jesus. Charles was an ardent student of the Bible. He loved God’s word. His favorite scripture was 2nd Timothy 2:15 "study to show thyself approved unto God". Charles took this verse to heart and spent many hours in study, with his Bible and yellow notebook in hand. He could quote "chapter and verse " and he was especially knowledgeable in the book of Daniel and Revelation. Charles faithfully taught Sunday school for over 50 years until his health failed him. He is now at rest with his Lord and Savior.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Beulah and Clarence Yochum, his wife Helen, his sister, Bonnie Lavonne Hayes, sister-in-law Mary Yochum, nephew Daniel Yochum, daughter in law, Terrie Yochum, and many close uncles, aunts, and cousins who shared in Charles' life from an early age.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Hall Yochum of the home. His children: Bill Blackwell and wife Nickie, Braggs Oklahoma, Laura Jeffers and husband Ed, Wagoner Oklahoma, Brent Yochum, Pritchett Texas, Cheryl Holloway and husband Dick, Coweta Oklahoma, Cathey Wilburn and husband Phillip, Gilmer Texas, David Yochum and wife Laura, Gilmer Texas. He leaves behind 13 grandchildren 19 Great grandchildren and 7 great -great grandchildren also his bonus children, Mona and Joe Leach and family of Longview Texas, Johnny Hall and family Houston Texas, Clayton Hall and family, Longview Texas. His brother Leon Yochum, nephews Bobby Yochum and Dennie Ray Yochum, also many other greatly loved extended family and friends.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers: Brad Wilburn, Jeremy Wilburn, Bo Yochum, Michael Yochum, David Murr, and Todd Pearce.

Services will be held at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM with Rev. David Sanders and Rev. David Everett officiating, visitation will be 1 hour prior to service. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park.