Roger Robert Yonker Sr.

1911 - 2013

Roger Robert Yonker, Sr., age 101, of Pensacola Florida, passed away February 12, 2013, in Daphne, Alabama.

Born in Muscogee, Florida on September 11, 1911, Roger was the son of the late Heike and Sparta Yonker and lived most of his life in Pensacola. He graduated from Pensacola High School and went into the grocery business, which was his life’s work, with the exception of a few years with the Naval Air Station. He and his wife owned and operated Yonker’s Grocery on Cervantes Street for many years. He retired from the Florida State Employment Office. Roger met and married Annie Lee Gates in 1932. They were fortunate to have had 79 years together.

He joined the First Baptist Church of Pensacola in 1936 and was a member of the Master Workers Sunday School Class and the Heritage Club. For many years, he taught Sunday School to fourth grade boys and enjoyed the fellowship of fishing trips with them. He served on various committees and as deacon for many years. He was a Deacon Emeritus for 29 years.

Roger received great satisfaction helping others through volunteering with Samaritan Hands and Mended Hearts. He was also a Master Mason, in the Escambia Masonic Lodge No. 15. He loved spending time with his family, attending his children’s ball games, and family reunions at the beach.

Preceding Roger in death were his wife, Annie Lee Gates Yonker; parents and infant sister.

Survivors include his children, Faye Yonker Davis and husband, John of Anderson, SC; Roger Robert “Bob” Yonker, Jr. and wife, Evie of Wetumpka, AL; and Barbara Ann Yonker Swanger and husband, Gordon of Daphne, AL. Also surviving are his grandchildren, John Davis of Pensacola Beach, FL, Tim Davis of Newport News, VA, Shea Wilson and Dana Fitzpatrick of Montgomery, AL; step-grandchildren, David Swanger of Mobile, AL and Kevin Swanger of Richmond, VA; great grandchildren, Tyler Davis, Brett Davis, Andrew Davis, Winston Davis, Chandler Davis, Will Franklin, Virginia Wilson, Frances Fitzpatrick and Davis Anne Fitzpatrick.

Very dear to his heart were the First Baptist Church and his friends that he had there over the years. Members of his Sunday School class, Deacons and Deacons Emeriti will serve as honorary pallbearers. Active pallbearers will be, John Davis, Tim Davis, Tyler Davis, Dee Fitzpatrick, Ken Mowrey and Jim Pledger.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 15, 2013 in the Pleitz Chapel at First Baptist Church with Dr. Barry Howard officiating.

Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends in Pleitz Chapel from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Friday.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Samaritan Hands, 500 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32501.

BAYVIEW FISHER-POU CHAPEL, 3351 Scenic Highway, has been entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences maybe offered at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com.