Wayne "Skip" Yohe

Skip was born May 5, 1939 in Hanover, PA to Lester and Kay Yohe. He graduated High School in Havertown, PA and then earned a BA in Physics at Gettysburg College where he met and eventually married his college sweetheart Holly Achenbach of Lock Haven, PA. Further education included an MBA through Central Michigan University.

Skip received his Air Force Commission in ROTC at Gettysburg College and received his wings at Reese AFB. He was an Instructor Pilot, Weapons School Graduate, Veteran of the Viet Nam War (DeNang and Korat, Thailand), Exchange Pilot to the Royal Air Force 43rd Squadron at Leuchars, Scotland. He spent 4 years at the Pentagon then became Squadron Commander of the 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Eglin AFB (his dream assignment). His Military career concluded as Director of Standardization and Evaluation at Luke AFB where he retired after 24 years of service. His multiple awards included the Distinguished Flying Cross.

He stayed in the field of aviation having a successful career in the private sector with McDonnell Douglas/Boeing becoming Vice President in Tel Aviv, Israel. Skip was instrumental in the sale of F-15 jets to the Israeli Government in 1995. He also flew one of the first American planes (F-4 Phantom) bought by Israel in 1968.

Holly and Skip have lived in Williamsburg, VA since 1988. Skip was President of the James City Rotary, a member of the Langley Air Force Association, Daedalians, Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, The St. Andrews Society of Williamsburg, and Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.

Skip loved his family, golf, travelling (to his Pine Creek cabin and Kilconquar Castle in Scotland), football, volunteering at the Kingsmill golf tournament and the annual Christmas Salvation Army bell ringing, plus his collection of vehicles. He delighted in visits from his grandchildren and was ever supportive of his wife’s many community activities.

Skip left this world with the integrity of a true “Fighter Pilot”. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Holly Achenbach Yohe, three grown children Laurie (and Shane) Alm of Dallas, Texas; David (and Jane) Yohe of Scottsdale, Arizona; and Lucy Anne (and Sean) Cummings of Crozet, VA. He was blessed with 6 grandchildren Brendan, Katherine, Kelly, Holly, John “Jack” and Piper. He is also survived by his sister Judy (and Wade) Wnuk; his sister Carol Liddy and brother Dr. Thomas (and Maria) Yohe.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to our incredible friends and neighbors from both near and far; and the medical community for their care, encouragement and support. A memorial service will be held at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church on Richmond Road on Saturday, November 4th at 3:00 p.m. Visitation at Nelsen’s Funeral Home on Friday, November 3rd from 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Salvation Army, 151 Kristiansand Drive, #109 Williamsburg, VA 23188.