David E. Yockey

1955 - 2018

David E. Yockey 1955 - 2018
Monticello, IL—David E. Yockey, 62, of Monticello, passed away peacefully at home on February 14, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer.
David was born July 21, 1955 in Monticello, the son of Lyle C. and Marian (Wittig) Yockey. He is survived by his brother, Duane Yockey (Carolyn) of Normal; sisters, Barbara Lucas (Michael) of Riverton, and Bonnie Swango (Gregory) of Decatur; 3 nieces and 6 nephews; and 4 great-nieces and 11 great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Brenda Wisegarver (Roger).
David spent 20 years in radio broadcasting and over 40 years as an official for high school football and baseball games. David was inducted into the Bloomington-Normal Officials Hall of Fame, but was most proud of his nearly 20 years as a huddle sponsor for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend who freely gave great joy and laughter to everyone he met. His card-playing feats are legendary, along with his Yockey stubbornness to admit defeat and his infamous strike zone. He dearly loved his family, his friends, his community and those he mentored while officiating. In the face of our deep sadness today, he would surely tell us that "he's fine" and encourage us to love one another as deeply as he has loved us.
David and his family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Eikram, Dr. Mandhan, the Sunnyside Road Church of Christ and his numerous nurses and caregivers for their support. Despite receiving a grim diagnosis in 2008, David's positive attitude and fighting spirit, as well as his deep and unwavering Christian faith, were an example to all who knew him. As a lifelong devotee of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Blackhawks, their World Series victory and three Stanley Cup wins were highlights as he fought his battle, strengthening his belief that anything is possible and the best is yet to come.
To celebrate David's life, a visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sunday, February 18, 2018 at the Sunnyside Road Church of Christ 821 N. Sunnyside Road Decatur, IL. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 19, 2018 at the Sunnyside Road Church of Christ with Col. Jeffery Hawkins, Chaplain U.S. Army officiating. Following the service, interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Monticello Township Cemetery. Mackey-Wright Funeral Home, Monticello is handling the arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com