George "Butch" Barnett Yandle Jr.

Born on October 13, 1944, in the Olympia community of Columbia, Butch was the proud son of the late George B. Yandle, Sr. and Frances Storey Yandle. He was also preceded in death by cherished relatives who shaped his life and values, mainly his uncles Walter Yandle, Raymond Yandle (Irene), Ted Yandle, Jack Yandle (Laddie), and Luke Yandle. He is survived by his aunts Betty Yandle (Walter) and Sally Yandle (Ted), as well as his beloved brother, Glenn Yandle and sister-in-law, Colleen Yandle.

Butch was married for 60 years to Marlene MacEldon Yandle. Together they raised three children: Katherine Yandle Thornton, Edward Dawson “Eddie” Yandle (wife - Shanna Pousson Yandle), and Sheri Yandle Robinson. He also shared close bonds with his former sons-in-law, Donald Wren Robinson—who faithfully took him to weekly lunches and welcomed him at his farm—and George M. “Chuck” Thornton III, who always brightened visits by bringing him his favorite banana pudding.

His greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren: Blakeley Elizabeth Yandle Crowley (Jack), George Dawson Thornton, Marlene Richburg Robinson and Edward Dawson Yandle II.

A graduate of Olympia High School, Butch built his life on a foundation of hard work and devotion to family. In 1976, he founded his own underground utility business, Yandle Contractors, earning the respect of many in the construction industry for his tireless work ethic and dedication to providing for his family. His son, Eddie, later joined him in the business, and their partnership became the foundation for Eddie’s success as a residential home builder with his own company, Executive Construction Homes. Even after retirement, Butch continued to work alongside Eddie, serving as his “eyes and ears” on construction sites to ensure the highest standards of quality homebuilding were upheld. Known for his attention to detail and uncompromising standards, Butch left a lasting legacy of quality workmanship.

Outside of work, he found joy in family traditions such as corkball tournaments, throwing horseshoes and playing bumper pool at Jaco’s Corner, Yandle family softball games, going to John Henrys for thick sliced bologna sandwiches and Sunday afternoons at Barney Martins farm on Bluff Road with his uncles and children. Proud of his family name and heritage, he treasured every Yandle gathering.

In his later years, Butch found great comfort and camaraderie in the tennis community created and coached by his beloved youngest child, Sheri, known as “BYG." The friendships he built there, along with the love and care they shared—through laughter, good company, and countless homemade meals—brought him happiness and support throughout the last 3½ years of his life. He also cherished the companionship of his “granddogs” and their furry friends, who brought him comfort and joy each day.

Butch will be remembered as a steady presence, a man devoted to his family, and someone who took pride in hard work. His family will carry his example forward, grateful for the memories and lessons he leaves behind.

A gathering of friends from the BYG community will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at “The BackYard,” 4716 Briarfield Road, to celebrate Butch’s life. Friends are invited to come together, share memories, and honor him in the spirit of BYG he so greatly enjoyed later in life.

The family will receive business associates and extended family at a memorial drop in on Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, 3926 Devine Street.