Walter Dale Yohe loved America. He went to be with the Lord on July 4th, 2012 to join his family for a fireworks display of his life! He passed from life at Brevard Regional Hospital, holding his daughters, Diane and Nancie’s hands, suffering complications from a recent gallstone infection.

Walter D. Yohe, “Walt or Watty,” to his good friends and family, was born July 12, 1923 in Monongahela, PA. His loving parents, Mary Martha (Mollie) Tuttle Yohe and Walter Craven Yohe were part of a long family heritage in the Monongahela Valley. Walt grew up with a strong feeling of family togetherness. The youngest of three children, he had vivid memories of how tenaciously his parents devoted their lives to training their children with a strong character, belief in God and country, and that family always comes first. His two siblings, Edward A Yohe and Evelyn Yohe Knox, preceded him in death.

During WWII, Walt’s hope was to enlist in the Navy, however he was too young! As the war came to an end he was finally able to enlist stateside as a young, dapper naval navigator protecting his fellow Americans on the California coastline for over two years. He trained as a navy pilot and flew many naval planes (his passion). After the war, Walt entered Ohio University, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He graduated from Ohio University business school in 1949. During his years at Ohio U, he met Barbara Ann Smith from Canton Ohio. They had a three year courtship and married on August 25, 1951, in Canton,Ohio.

After graduation, Walt went to work for the Hoover Company at its headquarters in Canton/Akron. His amazing communication skills and passion for others lead him to many senior positions within its Public Relations department. He was an integral part of Hoover’s international expansion, spending much time abroad. His loyalty, integrity and overall fine character were the cornerstones for his success.

In 1965 Walt’s position at the Hoover Company brought him to Miami, Florida where he and Barb raised their three girls: Diane, Nancie and Marcia. Walt’s favorite gift of all was raising his family and becoming an amazing father. His constant unconditional love and his support, humor, playfulness and role modeling were the most qualities any child could ever ask for.

Walt chose early retirement to pursue his passion in Christian ministry. He began fund raising and then became full time in the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ International. Walt and Barb moved to Knoxville,TN in 1978 to become more involved in ministry work. Along with Bill and Vonette Bright, Walt and Barb supported its oversea’s ministry. He not only continued to fund raise internationally but was hands-on helping produce the Jesus Film and subsequently introducing it to many countries. He attended and followed up on all of his visits. His love and concern for others throughout the world was evident to all who met him. He was truly adored. Most important in his life, after God, was family.

Walt was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Smith Yohe, July 2, 2001. He is survived by his three daughters; Diane Yohe Morris, Coral Gables,FL; Nancie Yohe Merrill, Atlanta,GA; Marcia Yohe Burnham. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. He has thirteen grandchildren, who all adore him: Olivia Morris Mueller, Dallas, TX; Lisel Christine Morris, Denver, CO; Brittany Anne Merrill, Dallas,TX; William Harrison Merrill, Jr, Atlanta, GA; Mallori Joy Morris, Miami, FL; Jane Whitney Burnham, Johnson City, TN; Lindsay Nicole Merrill, Atlanta, GA; W.A.Spencer Morris, Miami, FL; Daniel Grayson Merrill, Atlanta, GA; Sara Ashley Burnham, Johnson City, TN; Tinsley Marie Elizabeth Merrill, Atlanta, GA; William Peter Burnham, Luxembourg; Anne Olivia Burnham, Luxembourg; Great-grand-daughter, Liesel Joy Mueller, Dallas, TX. Nephews: Robert Yohe, Orlando, FL; Thomas Yohe, Orlando, FL, and many other family cousins, son-in-laws, and loved ones throughout!

Walt was celebrating his 89th birthday this week. He resided in Lake Toxaway, NC for the past 6 years. He enjoyed hiking, gardening, writing poetry, publishing his personal memoirs and poetry, compiling years of articles and a written manuscript for his unfinished book, “The American Dream.” He loved reading the Bible and reciting scripture and he was a counselor to many. He was an artist; drawing and painting were additional passions that kept him busy. These were his favorite things. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his daughters and grandchildren. His legacy lives deep in our hearts.

Services for Walt will be held 12:00 noon Tuesday, July 10, 2012, at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Quebec with Rev. Steve Boley officiating.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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