Jerry Dean Yockey Sr.

On July 21, 2026, surrounded by family, Jerry Dean Yockey, Sr., age 90, passed peacefully from this life to meet his Savior and to be welcomed to his eternal home by the many relatives and friends who surely helped prepare his place there.

Jerry was born on October 7, 1935, in Humboldt, Kansas to Martha Emaline Wilhite and Gerald Dean Yockey. Throughout his childhood, Jerry’s family traveled for work on the Ford, Bacon & Davis Pipeline returning between jobs to their home in Humboldt. At the age of 16, Jerry left school to work on the pipeline as well. Jerry married the love of his life, Dorothy Lee Schooley, on February 12, 1956. They had three children: Jerry Dean Yockey, Jr. (Chris), Patricia Lee Musch (Bob), and Christy Kathleen Yockey Willis. In 1960, seeking a more settled life for his family, Jerry bought a Derby Gas Station. From there he was hired by Comstock/Texaco as an auto parts salesman and he moved the family to Fort Scott, Kansas. Eventually, he went back to school to earn his GED and was recruited by the Ray Shepherd Ford Dealership to become their parts manager until his retirement in 2000. Upon retirement, Jerry moved to Joplin, Missouri and lived there until June 2025 when he relocated to live with family in Moravian Falls, NC.

One of the greatest achievements of Jerry’s life was his success as a round dance cue caller and instructor for the Tanglefooters Dance Club. For 32 years, from 1980-2012, Dorothy and Jerry taught round dance. They gained national recognition and traveled for seminars and festivals throughout the country including multiple times at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN.

In addition to Dorothy and their children, left to remember and celebrate Jerry’s life are their eight grandchildren: Stefanie Yockey-Thomas (Chris), Timothy Yockey, Ryan Musch, Scott Musch (Tammy), Whitney McBrayer (Thomas), McKenzie Gowins (Josh), Danielle Pulley (Tyler), and Heather Willis. In addition, Jerry will be very much missed by his 14 great-grandchildren, by nieces and nephews, by friends and neighbors, and by his cherished dog, Katie.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life gathering later this year. The details will be published once all plans are finalized.

Photographer Anne Geddes once said, “Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” Jerry Dean Yockey, Sr. was that special someone – a memorable dad, a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather, and a much-loved friend.

Condolences may left for the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Yockey and his family.