Robert Hershey Yeakley

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, Robert Hershey Yeakley of Flower Mound, Texas, age 82, walked into the gates of Heaven and into the presence of his Savior. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Robert lived a life marked by integrity, humility, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Most who knew Robert knew him as a steady, gentle, and joyful man—but there were many things about him that made his life uniquely rich. Some knew him as Bob. Many knew he loved working with his hands and had a special talent for woodworking. Some might be surprised to learn he once rode a Ducati motorcycle as a young man, or that he spent much of his career building elevators with skill and pride. Born in the small unincorporated community of Stouchburg, Pennsylvania, Robert carried those humble beginnings with him throughout his life.

When his father-in-law passed away, Robert stepped faithfully into the role of Pastor at Crusade of the Tabernacle Church, lovingly shepherding that congregation for many years. His devotion to God and to people was unmistakable—he never missed an opportunity to tell someone that Jesus loved them. If you met Robert even once, you walked away knowing two things: that he loved you, and that Jesus loved you even more.

Everyone who knew Robert could count on his sense of humor. Many of his jokes ended with him laughing so hard that he could barely finish the punchline—something that always made the joke itself even better. His joy was contagious.

He also had a simple, endearing sweet tooth. Whether enjoying a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, a piece of black licorice, or slices of Lebanon bologna, he always seemed to pair it with a classic Coca-Cola.

Some of his happiest moments were spent walking his grand-dogs, who adored him just as much as he adored them.

While walking his grand-dogs, Robert seemed to know every neighbor on the street—and every neighbor knew him. He never met a stranger. With a smile, a wave, and always a gentle word, he made people feel seen. And he never missed an opportunity to say hello and remind someone that Jesus loved them. Those simple walks became moments of ministry, kindness, and connection.

Robert leaves behind his wife, Esther, with whom he shared a beautiful life and marriage just weeks shy of their 61st anniversary.

He is survived by his children: Sharon Jurecka and her husband, George. Debi Ferguson and her husband, Kevin.

His grandchildren: Rachel Strait and her husband, Dustin, Trey Jurecka, Trevor Jurecka and his wife, Hannah, Victoria McDuff and her husband Daniel, Nicholas McKittrick and his wife, Morgan.

His great-grandchildren:

Lohrn and Tatum McDuff, Tyler and Luke Strait, Lovelyn and Rhett McKittrick and Jordan Jurecka.

His siblings; Thomas Yeakley, John Yeakley, and Miriam Sanger.

And many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Mary Ellen Yeakley; his son, James Robert Yeakley; and his sister, Ruth Ann Hershey.

Robert will be profoundly missed by all who were blessed to know him. To know him was to be better for it. His legacy of love, compassion, unwavering faith, and gentle character will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched.