Charles B. Yeaton

1926 - 2022

Charles B. Yeaton

Epsom, NH — Charles B. Yeaton, a lifelong resident of Epsom, died Monday, August 15th in Epsom, NH. He was 96.

Charlie was born January 21, 1926 in Concord, NH to George S. Yeaton and Madeleine E. (Brown) Yeaton. He lived most of his life in Epsom, both at his family home and since 1965, at Yeton Tavern. The tavern, bought with his brothers Philip and Calvin, was a particularly special place for the family. Not only was it a residence for him and his sister Nancy and her family, but it also served as the center for all family events, including holiday celebrations, weddings, celebrations of life, various open houses, dinners, and numerous informal gatherings.

Charlie attended elementary schools in Epsom and Pembroke, graduating from Pembroke Academy in 1943. He graduated from the University of NH, obtaining his Bachelors and Masters degrees. He held several different roles as an educator including teaching elementary school at Sugar Hill; elementary teacher and principal at Atkinson Academy; school librarian at Timberlane Regional High School; and reading supervisor at Winnisquam Regional School District.

After his retirement in 1986, he continued his love for reading and education by filling the role of an adjunct supervisor of student teachers at Plymouth State College. One of his greatest joys was seeing former students and hearing about the paths they had taken.

Within the education realm, he also served on the Epsom School Board for 12 years, filling roles such as Chairman in Epsom and Chairman of the SAU Executive Board, receiving the NH Outstanding School Board Member Award in 1987. He has been a member of the National Education Association, the New England Reading Association and the International Reading Association. He was a strong proponent that education should be available for all and was a member of the Atkinson Academy Scholarship Fund. In 2010, he received the Friend of Education Award from NEA New Hampshire.

His passion for education combined with his belief in community involvement lead him to politics. He was a member of the NH House of Representatives for six terms, serving on the Education Committee. He served as an Epsom Public Library Trustee for five years. He received the Epsom Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 and was the Epsom Citizen of the Year in 2013. His love of community and history led him to be a founding member of the Epsom Historical Association. He was a member of the New Rye Congregational Church since 1943 and was on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross from 1988-1994.

He owned and operated Betty House Antiques at his home in Epsom for many years. His love of history led him to be a collector of all things, especially antique tools. His shop has been featured on NH Chronicle and in several newspapers and magazines. He often took his private collections to schools to share his knowledge of antiques and to educate younger generations on their uses.

Charlie is survived by his sister Nancy Claris and her husband, Armand, of Epsom, as well as nieces Jessica Emond, her husband Chris, and their children Sam and Julia; Rebecca Dugas, her husband Mike, and their children Benjamin, Leah, and Gabby; nieces Susan Bailey, Jane Virgin, Cynthia Wilkinson, and Jennifer Parris; nephews Steve Yeaton, Mickey Yeaton, Jim Crafts, Michael Yeaton, Garry Yeaton, and Kirk Yeaton; two sister in laws, Nancy C. Yeaton and Nancy M. Yeaton as well as numerous great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers Ted, Philip, Calvin and Sydney; his sisters June Yeaton and Pat Crafts; niece Deborah Stempel; and predeceased by one sister in law Marjorie F. Yeaton and nephews Larry Yeaton, James Yeaton and Jonathan Crafts.

Calling hours will be held Friday, August 26th from 4:00 - 6:00PM at Roan Family Funeral Home-Still Oaks Chapel in Epsom, NH. A funeral Service will be held Saturday, August 27th at 11 AM at New Rye Congregational Church in Epsom. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Charlie's memory to New Rye Congregational Church, 289 New Rye Rd Epsom, NH 03234.

To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.roanfamilyfuneral.com