Funeral services for Gary R. Yocum, age 80 of Abilene, will be 10:30 am Friday, May 25, 2018 at the Community Bible Church in Abilene with Pastor Lindsey Brummer officiating. Mr. Yocum passed away Monday, May 21, 2018 at the Memorial Hospital in Abilene.

He was born March 16, 1938 in Industry, the son of Sam and Hazel (Cairns) Yocum. Gary graduated from Abilene High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and his master’s degree from Emporia State Teachers College.

Gary taught for 36 years at Chapman Junior and Senior High Schools along with owning Yocum Auction and Realty and farming. He was a member of the Community Bible Church, loved his horses, especially his driving teams and gave rides to the Grand Marshall in the Abilene parades. Along with all that, Gary raised amazing watermelons and cantaloupes for over 49 years, but greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren.

Gary married Janet Geske on September 20, 1959 in Talmage. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his daughters Culleen and her husband Alan Bauer of Seward, Nebraska, Jennifer and her husband Alan Myers of Novi, Michigan; son Gary Lane and his wife Deb Yocum of Odell, Nebraska; sister Audrey McGrath of Abilene; seven grandchildren: Brandi, Joe, and Shayne Yant, Ashley and Madelyn Yocum, Joshua and Matthew Myers; and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a half-brother.

Gary’s final resting place will be in the Detroit Cemetery. His family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Thursday, May 24, 2018 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Bible Church and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.martinbeckercarlson.com.