Robert "Bob" William Yahola

Bob Yahola was born on April 9, 1934, in the small town of Wetumka, Oklahoma to Don and Margaret Yahola. His family moved to Lebanon, Tennessee where he attended and graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy. He enrolled in the Tennessee Polytechnic Institute and earned a degree in engineering.

Following his honorable discharge as an S-P 4 in the U. S. Army, Bob worked for Robert Hall Men’s Clothing Store, where he became a manager. He joined the Maybelline company, later acquired by Schering-Plough, as a packaging design engineer. Bob rose to management in that division, eventually retiring and returning as a consultant for several more years.

In 1961 Bob married Mary Ann Lavender, the love of his life. Together they had three children, Sallye Elizabeth, Robert Wesley, and Margaret Ellen – who sadly died shortly after birth. They remained married until her death in 2022.

Bob served more than sixty years in the Masons, readily giving his time and energy to them and their work. He found great happiness in this, joining several of their groups and rising to exalted levels of leadership. Bob also volunteered extensively with the Boy Scouts of America for decades, becoming a respected leader and mentor, earning numerous awards including the illustrious Silver Beaver.

Among his hobbies were building model airplanes, playing (and watching) golf, and a voracious love of reading – most especially science-fiction.

He donated over thirteen gallons of blood, gave generously to numerous charities, appreciated deep concepts, good humor, and did not fear indulging in silliness.

Bob Yahola lived a good life well earned. He leaves behind his sisters Sarah “B C” Yahola, Mary Yahola Taylor, and Susie Yahola Cournoyer; his children Sallye (Jon) Elliott and Wes (Cindy) Yahola, five grandchildren: Kevin Elliott (Kim), Steven Elliott, Katherine Elliott, Daniel Elliott, and William Yahola (Dani), as well as two great-grandchildren: Benjamin Elliott and Ezra Elliott. He was preceded in death by his grandson Jeffrey Elliott.

Family and friends will gather on Monday, November 25 beginning at 10:00 a.m. until Mason & Funeral Services begin at 11:00 a.m. all in the South Hall of Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Road, Bartlett, Tennessee 38133. Burial will follow in Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Rev. Brad Gabriel will lead the days services.

Online condolences, floral tributes and directions may be found through www.memphisfuneralhome.net.