Clarence "Nick" Yocum

Clarence “Nick” Yocum went to be with his Lord and Heavenly family on October 18, 2023 at Mercy Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas. His family knows he is by the side of his best friend and wife, Emma Lou Yocum. 

Nick was born on June 20, 1934, on a farm located in the Sandy Hook community east of St. Marys to George and Gertrude Yocum.  Nick was the youngest son of 10 children that included eight sisters and one brother.  Nick graduated from St. Marys High School in 1952.  After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart Emma Lou. 

After high school, Nick joined the Army National Guard and was part of the Company A 1^st Battalion.  He completed his training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.  Nick took great pride in his service and over the years would volunteer to represent the guard at local community events. 

Nick had a long career at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company located in Topeka, Kansas.  Nick retired in 1996 after 42 years of service.  Nick was a proud member of USW local 307.

Nick filled his life with many activities in the community, including an active role with the St. Marys United Methodist Church.  He loved the time he spent with the Noah’s Neighbors after-school program as part of the church youth activity project. He also enjoyed dancing with the Twilight Twirlers, a local square-dancing club.  He and his wife, Emma, were active in their children’s and grandchildren’s activities and he could always be seen cheering them on at ball games and school events. 

Nick was beloved by the community of St. Marys and his giving nature was appreciated dearly for all his volunteer work over the years. 

Nick was preceded in death by his loving wife Emma Lou Yocum.  They were married on September 13, 1953, at the Evangelical & Reformed Church-Wells Creek.  

Together they raised four sons:  Steve Yocum of Lawrence, KS; John (Jennifer) Yocum of Lawrence, KS; David (Kristi) Yocum of St. George, KS; James (Kerri) Yocum of St. Marys, KS.

Emma and Nick are blessed with nine grandchildren:  Travis (Lori) Yocum, Nichol (Zack) Gallegos, Eva (Levi) Parkin, Ethan (Faith)Yocum, Brandon (Becca) Yocum, Jenna Yocum (Matthew Klotz), Ryan (Karlee) Yocum, Hayley (John) Smith, and Trevor Yocum.

They also have 14 great-grandchildren: Alex, Noah, AnnaBeth, Zackary, and Thaddeus Gallegos; Aubrey Carrier & Olivia Klotz; Pierce Yocum; Avah, Cale and Teller Yocum; Weiss Parkin; Franklin Yocum; and Jack Yocum.

His life will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Marys United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Valley View Cemetery in St. Marys.   Family will receive friends from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Piper Funeral Home.

Memorial contrcontributions may be made to the St. Marys United Methodist Church.