Sylvester Elwood "Woody" Yandle II

He was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana. The son of Arthur Ray Yandle Sr. and Marie Delhomme Yandle and brother to Arthur Ray Yandle Jr. and Gloria Elizabeth Yandle, who all preceded him in death. Beloved husband of 66 years to Gretchen Ehrensing Yandle who he met at the University of Southwest Louisiana. Together they had four children.

Father to Gretchen Marie Yandle MD, Sylvester Elwood Yandle III (Karen Ballard Yandle), Gladys A. Trepagnier (Tab Trepangier) and Henry Arthur Yandle (Tammy Tullis Yandle). Grandfather to Kevin Sylvan Gipson MD (Marie Tan Gipson MD), Robert Henry Gipson, Sean Michael Gipson MD (engaged to Diana Hatamleh MD), Dr. Stephen Andrew Yandle Gipson (Betrothed to Savanna Ganucheau), Blaise Laurent Saucier, Braden Elwood Yandle, Brittney Leigh Yandle, Trevor Lawrence Yandle, and Chloe Grace Yandle. Great Grandfather to Gretchen Mei Zhen Gipson.

Woody was a brilliant inventor with multiple U.S. patents including the Airbag originally designed for Aircraft application, Hydrodamp and indicator stud applications for the railroad industry. He started his business, Industrial Pump Sales, in 1966 and has provided stellar service for over 60 years to the Mississippi River Maritime Industry.

Woody was an artist who worked in multiple mediums. In his later years, he was most fond of carving Louisiana wildlife and knife making. He was also an aircraft owner and pilot.

His absence will be felt in too numerous ways to count. We will miss “Paw Paw’s” endless stories and views on life that only a nonagenarian could provide. His work will be continued by his son and “Right Hand Man” Sylvester E. Yandle III.

His legacy will live on through his multi-talented grandchildren and great granddaughter.

There will be a private celebration of life in his honor. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in his name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

To view and sign the family guestbook, visit lakelawnmetairie.com.