John William Yerkes

John William Yerkes, 77, of DeLand, Florida, passed away on August 27, 2025. He was born on March 11, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to John Yerkes and Margaret Humble. He grew up alongside his siblings Mary, Joe, Margaret, and Rita, forming bonds of family that remained important throughout his life.

John proudly served his country as a United States Marine from 1966 to 1968, stationed in California during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he worked as a Stroehmann Bread delivery man, a career that spanned decades. Through dedication and hard work, he supported his family and retired from the union with pride. In addition, John gave of himself as an Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor, faithfully walking beside others on their journeys of recovery.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, John married his beloved “wifey,” Elaine, on December 29, 1972. Together they shared 52 years of love and partnership. He was deeply connected to his daughters—Stephanie Yerkes, with whom he shared daily conversations, and Jennifer Collie, with whom he watched or texted about the Phillies, often joking “Stinkin’ Phillies” during tough games.

Family meant everything to John. He enjoyed time with his son-in-law, Stafford Collie, a commercial fisherman who teased him about finding joy in fishing without catching anything. He treasured his grandsons, Dylan and Johnathon. With Dylan, John beamed with pride through his high school graduation, swim meets, Navy enlistment, and deployments—tracking ships and snack deliveries with great enthusiasm. With Johnathon, retirement brought him the joy of daily preschool pickups, breakfasts together, and watching him grow into a young man. He loved following his wrestling matches on an app and cheered him on as he began college. John was known for his love of apps—always finding new ones to help him connect with the world and with those he loved.

In his quiet moments, John enjoyed fishing, watching the Phillies and Eagles, and living by the Serenity Prayer. He was also an organ donor, and even in death he continued to give, donating his corneas—a final gift that perfectly reflected the way he lived: always helping, doing, and giving to others.

John is survived by his wife, Elaine; daughters, Stephanie and Jennifer (Stafford) Collie; grandsons, Dylan and Johnathon; and his sisters, Mary and Rita. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Margaret, and brother Joe.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church in DeLand, Florida on Monday, September 8, 2025. There will be a presentation of Military Honors at 12:30 PM and the mass will begin at 1:00 PM. There will be a reception to follow.