More detail on this person: TONY'S OBITUARY U.S. Veteran Saddling up for his last earthly journey, Tony M. Yoakum rode to meet his Lord and Savior on March 12, 2022. A man with a quiet, deep faith, Tony accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age. He depended on the Lord for guidance and safekeeping through the perils of war until his last breath. Tony was born to Paulina C. and Dan W. Yoakum on November 25, 1945, in Vernon, Texas. He was blessed by a remarkable grandmother, Vina Townson. Her influence combined with that of uncles John and George Townson formed a fierce determination and strong work ethic that bore fruit throughout his life. Tony graduated from Vernon High School in 1964 and attended Hardin-Simmons University and Midwestern State University before enlisting in the U. S. Army in 1966. It was there that he fulfilled his dream of becoming a pilot. A highly decorated war hero, Tony served two tours as a combat helicopter pilot in Viet Nam and a Flight Evaluation Instructor at Fort Wolters, Texas, during his enlistment. In 1974, Tony was hired as temporary Christmas help by the U S. Post Office. This developed into a 40-year career that culminated with seventeen years as Postmaster, Vernon, Texas. Tony was determined (some might say stubborn), creative and an inspiration to many. As a mentor, teacher, coach, and encourager his influence will live on in many lives. Tony was preceded in death by his parents. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Sherry Yoakum of the home, son Kelly Mort Yoakum (Wendy) of Moran, Wyoming, Willard Daniel Yoakum (Jodi) and granddaughter Jentry of Cheyenne, Oklahoma and daughter Carrie Mae Yoakum-Biggs (Casey) and grandson Leighton Baker of Wichita Falls, Texas. Brothers-in- law Butch Shoop (Deb) of Sherman, Texas, David Shoop (Pam) and sister-in-law Julia White of Wichita Falls, Texas; along with a host of much-loved cousins. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Thursday, March 17, 2022, at 11:00 AM with Ric Rosalez, Pastor Second Baptist Church, Vernon, Texas officiating. Family visitation will be Wednesday, March 16, 2022 from 6-7 PM at Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home, Wichita Falls, Texas. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be sent to the Red River Valley Museum, PO Box 2004, Vernon, Texas 76385.
Burial information: Fort Sill National Cemetery
This information was last updated 03/15/2022
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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