Thomas D. Yandell, Sr.

Thomas "Tom" Dale Yandell, Sr. died on June 11, 2024 at OSF Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford, Illinois after a long battle with a series of chronic illnesses. Tom’s life began on May 20, 1936 in Clarksville, Arkansas. He grew up in a modest home and learned how to entertain himself and find personal enjoyment even when resources were limited. He impressed Neva’s parents very early on as a teenager, and they married after church on Wednesday night in the summer of 1954. The two started their life together in Little Rock where they had Kathy, and later moved to Ozark, where they had Dale.

Tom was passionate about bicycling. It was his favorite activity and something he loved to do with his grandchildren, often seeking out new trails and paths on which to take them cycling. He also loved all kinds of music, and would sneak away to his study daily to put on his headphones and enjoy a diverse array of artists and genres. Another thing he loved to do was read. He read thousands of books and loved to discuss them. He was especially interested in psychology, theology, philosophy, and the meaning of dreams. Tom was a devout Christian, but he loved learning about and discussing other religions and belief systems, and had friends from all different backgrounds. He loved when someone disagreed with his beliefs, because he said that presented an opportunity for him to learn. He was always tech-savvy, and made a career working on computers and televisions for many years. Even as technology evolved, he stayed on top of the latest changes and innovations. He also loved to write and even put many of his thoughts together in a blog: https://yandellplace.wordpress.com.

Tom was a gentle soul with a heart of gold. Many of his friends and family often came to him for help, advice, or just to talk because he would always lend a nonjudgmental, warm ear, and was more than willing to do anything he could for anyone close to him. He never criticized people for their feelings or the choices that they made. He was always ready to offer a compassionate hug.  He leaves behind many loved ones who adored and admired him, and will miss him dearly.

He is survived by his wife, Neva; his daughter, Kathy (Yandell) Scott of Rockford; his daughter-in-law, Debra Yandell of Augusta, Georgia; his grandchildren, Rhiannon, Kevin (Paris), Erik (Lesli), Rachel, Lindsay (Wes), Jordan (Devon), Jessica (Paxton), and Alex; as well as nineteen great-grandchildren (number 20 on the way). He is preceded in death by his son, Dale Yandell and son-in-law, Mike Scott.

 A graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Machesney Park, IL, at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas D. Yandell, Sr., please visit our floral store.