Harold L. Yeakle

Harold L. Yeakle

From Orphanage to Entrepreneur -

Harold Lambert Yeakle, age 88, of Bradenton, FL, and formerly of Harrisburg, PA, and Chambersburg, PA, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with the Democratic Party.  Harold was born on Wednesday, February 29, 1928, in Williamson, PA, to the late Wilbur Samuel Yeakle and Helen Lucretia (Straley) Yeakle.  In addition to his parents, Harold is preceded in death by his grandson, Jesse D. Yeakle; his two brothers: John Richard Yeakle, Merle Yeakle; and his sister, Geraldine (Yeakle) Paschall.

Harold’s survivors include his companion of over 40 years, Rosemary Sutliff; his three sons: Timothy L. Yeakle and his wife, Jean, of Shiremanstown, LTC (Ret.) Christopher T. Yeakle of Mercer, Scott K. Yeakle and his wife, Jayanna, of Middletown; his former spouse, Josephine R. Nye of Mechanicsburg; his 10 grandchildren: Jason Yeakle and his wife, Lindsey, and their two children, Alexandria and Delaney, Zachary Yeakle and his wife, Megan, Margaret Watson and her husband, Kurt, and their two children, Dylan and Garren, Kyle Yeakle, Kelsey Yeakle, Nicholas Yeakle, Shane Yeakle, Amanda Yeakle, Wyatt Yeakle, Josie Yeakle; his half-brother, Samuel Yeakle and his wife, Gail, of Evansville, IN; and several nieces and nephews.

Harold served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theater; he was extremely proud of his service to his country.  He was a 32nd degree Mason, having belonged to the General James Chambers Lodge No. 801 in Chambersburg.  Harold was a member of Shriner’s International and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States.  At the age of 88, Harold had still not retired.  During his life he was a farmer for the Milton Wright Orphanage where he grew up.  He was an amateur fighter in the Army.  After the armed services he was an aircraft electrical mechanic, a semi-pro baseball player in Chambersburg, a New York Life Insurance agent and Certified Life Underwriter.  He studied to obtain his law degree specializing in estate planning.  He was an entrepreneur, developing a horse riding stable in Fayetteville, and more recently rescuing and revitalizing the Riverbend Park Resort in Moss Point, Mississippi.

Harold’s heart was huge and he put it wholly into everything he did.  He would frequently hire those who were down and out in an effort to give them a second chance.  Harold saw challenges as things to overcome, not impossibilities.  He would take on any challenge and thrived on doing the impossible.  Harold learned to become self reliant which began when he and his siblings were dropped off at an orphanage by their parents; he exhibited this reliance throughout his entire life.  He always stood up for the little guy and would never, ever back down from a bully.  Harold will be remembered as a man who lived his life unconventionally and on his own terms.  He was loved and will be deeply missed.

All are welcome to join Harold’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Wednesday, August 3, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Celebrant George Spangler officiating.  Harold’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at The Stage & Studio Café, next door to the funeral home, immediately following the service.  Interment will follow the reception in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, where military honors will be presented.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Harold’s life may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, www.WoundedWarriorProject.org or to any other veteran’s organization of the donor’s choosing.

Harold’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Harold’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Buhrig.com.