Louis Edward Yoe

Louis Edward Yoe was the first son and third child of Edward and Margaret Yoe. Louis’ grandparents were immigrants from Hungary. Louis grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where his childhood activities included Boy Scouts, shoveling snow on Saturdays for “2 bits,” getting good grades on report cards, and running joyfully through the woods with his friends. Living by the airport, he would visit the planes there and scout for “flight wing” pins and other gems left by the pilots and flight attendants. As a teenager, Lou worked at a funeral home and cemetery, bringing home “special treasures” to show his Mom. Louis graduated from Olmsted Falls High School.

After high school graduation at 17, Lou started his adventurous travels by deciding to hitch hike to sunny California where he lived with his Aunt Betty until he proudly joined the United States Navy as an enlisted man. The Navy became Lou’s family for the next 25 years. Louis achieved the special recognition, earned only by a few, of being a Navy “Mustang,” an elite group of officers who joined the Navy as an “enlistee” and then advanced to becoming a Navy Officer. He spent six years, one tour of duty, as an Enlistee within the submarine nuclear community, and was then accepted into Purdue University, graduating, and earned his officer commission as a Navy Ensign. Along with his Navy duties and responsibilities, Lou earned both a BS degree from Purdue University and also earned an MA Degree in International Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA.

Lou’s tours of duty on submarines and onshore included work within the weapons, intelligence, operations, and security arenas. During his life aboard the submarine, he was referred to as “Weps” responsible for the sub’s weapons system, Sonar Technicians, Missile Technicians, Machinist Mates/Torpedomen, Fire Control Technicians, and contact tracking. Lou completed 18 years with the submarine community afloat in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans which included duty during the Vietnam conflict. Louis was awarded multiple medals for his performance on 6 high-risk security reconnaissance missions. During his shore tours of duty, he was stationed at Strategic Air Command (SAC) and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), completing his Navy career at the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Lou traveled thousands of miles throughout his career on behalf of his country having served the United States Navy with Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

With a job offer from Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), an international defense company, Louis and Elizabeth relocated from their European military assignment in 1989 making their way to San Diego, California. Upon the completion of Lou’s Navy orders, Lou retired at Naval Base San Diego (32nd Street). Lou then selected sunny San Diego as his home “base” where he would enjoy sporting his favorite “flip-flops,” t-shirts, and signature Tommy Bahama Hawaiian shirts. Post Navy duty, Lou’s next “family” would soon emerged when San Diego based SAIC, welcomed Lou onto their team. Lou enjoyed working with these dedicated team members, professionals, and leaders in successfully reaching their goals and supported completion of significant government projects together. The SAIC staff and Lou became friends and family for life. Lou, always a humble soul, was surprised when SAIC Corporate announced his selection for an SAIC Achievement Award and included his profile in SAIC’s international stakeholders publication. While he minimized its “showiness,” his family was proud of him and his accomplishments there. After SAIC split into a new second company, LEIDOS, Louis continued his friendships with those that worked there meeting for lunch, hiking, and special events. Louis worked for SAIC on both the West and East Coasts, and international project sites for 28 years. SAIC was as important to Lou as was his Navy family.

Throughout Lou’s life, many would proudly and lovingly share that Lou was their “mentor,” “like a father,” “generous friend,” “thoughtful,” “personal advisor,” “the biggest prankster,” and the “most caring kind of guy to everyone.” Navy, SAIC, LEIDOS, and community friendships became life-long with caring smiles, many mutual kindnesses, meals, and even many memorable hikes together! Lou became an avid hiker and “desert-rat” with family and friends joining him on beloved trails in Zion National Park hiking the narrow path to Angels Landing, The Narrows, Three Sisters, Carrizo Gorge Goat Canyon Train Trestle, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Mt. Whitney, and Machu Picchu. Lou’s favorite stories included the “moving rocks” that traveled across the surface of Racetrack Playa, the death hike to the train trestle – a round-trip of 20 miles in the blazing desert sun, and hiking Zion’s “The Subway” with friends and family.

On his many trips to the “metro desert (Las Vegas)”, Lou and Elizabeth were always “spoiled” by Sister Betty. Another recent family adventure was the challenging big hike and rafting trip with Brother Leo and nephew which gave everyone even more unforgettable memories as they saved a young girl from a serious mishap in the dark of the night. A new boat by brother Roland in recent months gave lessons in “wake boarding” on the beautiful lake (followed by a doctor visit for a sore shoulder). Brother Paul’s hike to the desert with Lou brought both of them back to the house the color of cooked lobsters, and needing to have their huge “stomach blisters” popped. Lou and his sons, Jason and Brandon, confidently challenged the Mt. Whitney trails and hikes which are unforgettable memories they all shared together citing “Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn!”

The Navy initiated Lou’s love for travel and adventure, and Lou continued his travels with family and friends many times afloat on the blue ocean. Lou and his wife, Elizabeth, were well-known as being highly adventurous global travelers. Lou’s passports record their travels to 132 countries and all 7 continents. Many of the friends and traveling companions they met on these journeys become life-long friends, joining Lou and Liz on other travel trips going from country to country. Travel companions were intergenerational, including “Mom,” in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, and Patches! “Patches,” their constant travel buddy who has been photographed with them throughout their travels, received “medals” from Lou recording each adventure globally. It was Patches that almost led to an international incident and Louie being detained by soldiers with guns at the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, when Lou decided Patches needed to be photographed in an area where no purses, bags, or backpacks were allowed entry and put Patches under his shirt. This incident demonstrates the “prankster” in Lou that many of us shared and witnessed throughout his life with us.

Being a civilian “cruiser” was Lou’s throwback to his early Navy tours where ocean waters and bright stars in dark skies gave time for relaxation and reflection. Louis was proud to travel with his Mom where he lovingly called her “his anchor” and she called him her “Saint Louis” because of his extraordinarily good heart and deeds in showing her the world. Lou truly enjoyed meeting people internationally and listening to them share their culture, food, language, and family stories. In turn, Lou expressed his gratitude by stuffing his suitcase full of dozens of USA baseball caps, t-shirts, notebooks, toothbrushes, pens, and pencils to give as hospitality gifts to appreciative families, new friends, and eager children. Lou’s friendliness and kindnesses made him, naturally, the best, international goodwill ambassador for his travel groups and the U.S.A.!

Even though Lou had traveled the world, millions of miles away from his hometown of Cleveland, it was always his city and he enjoyed his visits with family there. Of course, Lou was disappointed with the results of the World Series and the Cleveland team in 2016 when they failed to rally for the championship.

While Lou was often on work and vacation travel, he made time and stayed involved with his community. San Diego school children’s education was very important to Lou. Lou was an annual school volunteer who helped build-up students’ interest and love for the outdoors by sharing specimens of dinosaur scat, fossils, rocks, and geodes. These were from his extensive and prized rock collection gathered from throughout the world. Some school presentations even focused on his submarine and Navy experiences. Louis supported the Mira Mesa Senior Center, and was a San Diego Unified Lions Club (SDULC) Member working to support charitable causes both locally and internationally to make our world a better place for future generations.

Lou’s wife, Elizabeth, known as a culinary devotee, prepared gourmet dishes for the family’s annual “competitive throw-down.” Lou joined the fun and expanded his culinary interests and kitchen talents. Lou researched family recipes and ordered quality ingredients and seasonings as he very proudly perfected and served his family and friends his ever fabulous custom dishes: spaghetti, apple pie, potato salad, and pizza for all to enjoy together. Lou loved showing off his epicurean talent, and watched with joy as family and friends sampled his dishes he so thoughtfully and lovingly prepared. As a side note, the Italian dish, capellini pomodoro with a meatball, was a favorite of Lou’s and a dish that he always ordered at Lorna’s Italian Restaurant located in San Diego. He would dine there often.

Lieutenant Commander Louis Edward Yoe leaves behind his devoted wife, Dr. Elizabeth Ann Yoe, Lieutenant, United States Navy-Retired, son Jason and wife Sharon of San Marcos, California and grandchildren Madison and Cody; son Damon who preceded Louis in passing; and son Brandon and wife Jackie of Temecula, California, grandchildren Garrett and Kacey.

Lou enjoyed his grandchildren’s recreational activities such as school extracurricular events, soccer, basketball, dance, fundraisers, reading together, magic tricks, and even hiking for treasure! Lou loved supporting the Girl Scouts as his office became legendary for storing cases, not cartons of his annual cookie purchases from his granddaughter, Kacey and other parents selling on behalf of their children.

Louis’ Siblings and Spouses Include:

Sue and Bob Krynak, and family

Betty Yurcich and family

Sara and Kenny Kay, and family

Rose and Tom DeGuise, and family

Marg and Jim Beals, and family

Paul Yoe and Brigitta, and family

Rebecca and Jeff Rowe, and family

Leo Weiskittel and family

Roland Weiskittel and Debbie Browning, and family

Mary and Rick Ratcliff, and family

Lou’s Sister and Brother In-laws Include:

Penny Harrison and family

Jaymond and Patti Young, and family

Patrick Young and family

Vicki and Dan Stough, and family

Casey Young and Kaye Brown, and family

Louis and Elizabeth’s Cove Family Include:

Jack King and Debbie Lamb

Vince and Christine Patron

Barbara Nkele and family

Joe and Charlie Distefano

Robert Cruz

Chuck Distefano

Sam and Brenda Fahim

Kevin and Irene Chillar

Ryan and Amy O’Connor, and family

Lou’s Hiking Companions Include:

Woody Bohart George Zabetakis

James O’Neill Ed Frusti

Thomas Dring Stoney Hooker

Brandon Yoe Jason Yoe

Craig Dunn Richard Fechter

Paul Yoe Leo Weiskittel

Roland Weiskittel Taylor Weiskittel

Donna Baker Delargy

And so many others….

Lieutenant Commander Louis E. Yoe, United States Navy-Retired, is recognized with full military honors and a 3-member Gun Salute at his service. As Commander Yoe comes ashore for the last time, he receives 8-bells, and an order to his shipmates to come to attention and “man the rails.” Commander Yoe will be “piped” following Navy tradition as he leaves on his eternal patrol.

On March 6, 2017, Lieutenant Commander Louis E. Yoe will be carried by horse-drawn military carriage and be laid to rest at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA. His final resting place will be in Area 1, next to the POW Memorial Statue. His wife, Dr. Elizabeth A. Yoe, Lieutenant, United States Navy-Retired, will also follow him with full military honors, and a place next to Louis’ side has been reserved so they may eternally rest side-by-side.

We invite family and friends to record their caring and remembrances at: www.forevermissed.com/louis-yoe/#about

Of special note, The Louis Yoe family wishes to thank all their friends and family who gathered each day and night with food and beverages to support us during this very sad time. We shall always remember each “Cove family” neighbor, and close family friends who camped out in the family room, brought their futons, and gathered on couches, providing love and support hourly. Your daily and hourly calls were heartfelt, your visits helped soothe the anguish in our hearts, your hugs calmed the loneliness, and our shared conversation filled the quiet void. Without your combined kindnesses, our shared loss would have been so much more difficult to endure these past weeks. A lifetime of thanks is expressed to each of you for all that you did – we will never forget…thank you!

Arrangements under the direction of El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, San Diego, CA.