Stephen J. Yankum

Jacksonville, FL., died August 12, 2008, peacefully with Hospice after a recent procedure in the hospital. Born May 21, 1919 in Boston, MA. He grew up in Dorchester, MA. He graduated from the Mechanics Arts Trade High School in Boston where he was a star track and field hurdler. Mr. Yankum was a World War II veteran serving in the army as an Engineer. In 1948 he married Ruth Yankum (Harding) (deceased in 2001). In 1952 they moved to Norwood, MA where they raised four children. He was employed at the Watertown Arsenal for 29 years where he worked as a machinist on experimental projects for NASA and the War Department. He and his wife retired to North Fort Meyers, Florida in 1979. Surviving members of his family are his sisters Helen Reynolds and Veronica Haggerty of Florida (Stephanie Renzi, a sister, passed away in 1996), sons Stephen Yankum, Jr.(wife Judy) of Lincoln, MA and Ronald Yankum (wife Susan) of Augusta, ME and daughters, Linda Howell(Husband Larry) of Jacksonville FL and Donna Twiss(Husband Andy) of Walpole, MA; nine grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. The memorial services will be held in Jacksonville FL. A memorial service will also be held in Massachusetts. For information on the Massachusetts memorial service, please contact Donna Twiss in Walpole. Donations can be made to your local Community Hospice in his name.