Dwight E Yockey
(February 17, 1929 – May 19, 2015)
Dwight was born on February 17, 1929 in Monticello, Illinois, the son of Cecil Bond and Mary Olive Nisson Yockey. He graduated from Bement High School in the class of 1947. Dwight continued his education at the University of Illinois where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict and was stationed in Alaska. He married Sheila M. Gallivan of Ivesdale, IL on September 17, 1955. Dwight worked in the agriculture industry throughout his lifetime. He moved to Rushville, IL in 1964 with his wife and children and began his career with USDA Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) until his retirement in 1989. Dwight was an engaged community member and volunteered for his church, St. Rose Catholic Church, the Lion’s Club, the Rotary Club, Food Basket, Meals on Wheels, RHS music and athletic boosters, 4-H Leader, and the Adult Literacy program where he helped numerous people learn the joy of reading. Dwight was a conservationist, an avid reader of history, a gardener, photographer and hunter who enjoyed crafting Native American bows. He was a loyal friend, loving father and grandfather, and devoted husband. Dwight appreciated each day and the beauty it held.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sheila Gallivan Yockey, Monticello, IL; sons, John Yockey and wife Diane of Vienna, VA, Patrick Yockey and wife Sherry of Mankato, MN, Michael Yockey and wife Mary of Naperville, IL, and Louis Yockey and wife Sarah of Springfield, IL; and daughter, Mary Yockey Bales and husband Thaddeus of Monticello, IL. Brothers, Raymond Yockey and wife Alice of Greeley, CO and Jim Yockey and wife Judy of Shelbyville, IL; and brother-in-law, William Gallivan and wife Elizabeth of Peoria, IL. Pride and joy of his life, 14 grandchildren: Gina, Henry, Elizabeth, Daniel and wife Ashley, Victor, Marcus, Sarah, Catherine, Isaac, Anne, Olivia, Charles, Louis, and Mary Catherine.
He was preceded in death by one son, William Cecil Yockey, his parents Cecil and Mary Yockey, his father-in-law and mother-in-law William and Catherine Gallivan, his brother-in-law Patrick T. Gallivan and sister-in-law Catherine Gallivan Weaver.
Visitation will be from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2015 at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Monticello, IL with Rosary service following at 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ivesdale, IL with Father Bruce D. Lopez officiating. Burial will be in the Bement Township Cemetery, Bement, IL with military rites by the Albert Parker American Legion Post #620 of Bement, IL. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to St. Philomena Catholic Church, Monticello, IL, St. Rose Catholic Church, Rushville, IL or Piatt County Nursing Home, Monticello, IL.
Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com