Robert Dean Yandle

Robert Dean Yandle, age 92, passed away peacefully July 22, 2022.He was born September 5, 1929, in Chanute, Kansas to Oscar Wilburn (Jack) and Helen L. Yandle. Helen married Ed Thompson when Robert was a toddler and was raised to adulthood by Ed and Helen Thompson. Robert (Bob) lived in multiple states before settling in Olympia, Washington. Robert wedded the love of his life Barbara Marie Walker March 3, 1950, and they were married 69 eventful years. They raised 9 children together. Six boys and three girls.

Bob and Barbara were married when he was 20 and she was 15. They first lived in Chanute and Bob worked on the oil rigs. Five children were born in Chanute: Bob, Karen, Deb, Mike and Nancy. Bill Yandle was born in Olympia, Washington. The family lived in Boise for a short time before settling in Washington State. The last three boys were born in Olympia: Rodger, Sam, and Sid. Bob worked at the St. Regis Lumber Mill for a time and then began working at the Cheese Factory (Dobbs) n Lacey, Washington. Bob retired from the cheese factory. He had a long and satisfying retirement life with Barbara living in the house they built together in East Olympia.

Robert was a star athlete at Chanute High School. He played baseball, basketball, and football. Robert also boxed. Bob shared the story that the coaches loved the athletic Yandle boys (he and his younger brother Jack). He was so talented in football that he was offered a scholarship to go to college. He turned the scholarship and college down because the most important thing in his life was Barbara. What Bob wanted most was to marry Barbara and begin their life together.

Bob loved all his family and enjoyed them very much. Bob also enjoyed camping in his trailer, hunting with his boys, gardening, cooking, and reading cowboy books. Robert loved to show off what was growing in his garden and was happy to share the fruits and vegetables he raised. One of his favorite dishes he enjoyed cooking and eating was many variations of beans, especially chili. He canned green beans, jams, and spaghetti sauce to name a few. One of dad’s favorite passions was fishing. He purchased a boat and was tickled to take people out in the boat with him fishing, mostly at Black Lake. Robert would have a twinkle in his eye and a chuckle in his voice when he and asked, “Do you want to go fishin?” He loved sharing fishing.

Robert was a kind and patient man. He worked hard his entire life, he was generous with his time and was always willing to help others. He spoke in a quiet voice and loved to tell stories and laugh. He was dearly loved by his children, their spouses, grandchildren, extended family and friends. He was the last person to survive in his generation of family and will be dearly missed. Memories of Robert will be cherished.

Robert was proceeded in death by his parents, Oscar (Jack) Yandle, Helen and Ed Thompson, his brother Jack, his beloved wife Barbara, his daughter Debbie, his son Rodger, his son in law Al

Seymour, and his daughter-in-law Michelle Yandle. He is survived by his children Bob Yandle (Rhonda), Bill Yandle (Yi), Karen Grunenfelder (Loren,) Mike Yandle (Karen), Nancy Seymour, Melissa Yandle, Sam Yandle, Sid Yandle (Sarina), his sister Cathy Johnson Alderson (Tommy Gonzales) as well as 17 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.

Join the family at Mills and Mills Funeral Home on Friday August 12th. Mills and Mills is located at, 5725 Littlerock Rd, SW, Tumwater. A gathering will start at 10:00 followed by a graveside ceremony at 11:00.