David M. Yarnes

David M. Yarnes, 76, of Oxford, NY passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 24, 2022 with his beloved family by his side.

Born on March 26, 1945, in the town of Lisle, David was the son of Orland and Marietta (Gehm) Yarnes. David grew up alongside his three siblings, Gary Yarnes (d.2020), Linda Fralick, and Nancy Jackson, and attended the Whitney Point schools. After graduating Whitney Point High School, he worked various jobs before joining the United States Army. In April of 1966, he married his love, Bonnie Lou Cobb, who preceded his death in 1993. David was a Drill Sergeant serving in the reserves and would travel to Fort Leonard Wood, MO each summer, as well as serving in the reserve unit in Norwich, NY.

For many years David worked at Victory Markets, driving trucks across the continental US. He shared his love for travel with his children and grandchildren who would accompany him at times on his trips. His Drill Sergeant voice carried with him as he umpired softball and baseball games, and refereed football games for Oxford and its surrounding towns. David enjoyed playing guitar, which he taught himself to play after a gentleman he picked up hitch-hiking left his guitar behind in his truck. From that day, the guitar became one of his favorite things. David played songs for everyone, on any occasion, and later taught his children and grandchildren how to play.

David spent his later years doing the things he loved most. He attended local races, played golf on Fridays, and watched both NASCAR and football. David would sit and read his westerns while watching his grandchildren play in the background. If the children caught him sleeping, he would simply say, “I wasn’t sleeping, I was just resting my eyes.” David truly was a family man, a friend to all who knew him, and would do anything for the ones he loved. He was a strong pillar in his family, teaching each of his family members a little something from the lessons he learned in life.

David’s memory will live on through his three children Kelli Howe (Todd Ryan), Marlette Lanfear, and David Yarnes (Tonia Petersen Butcher); as well as those who called him “Papa,” Brandon Howe, Ashely Winter, Victoria Lewis, Luke Lewis, Cameron Lints, Bonnie Lou Lamb, Logan Lamb, Aliya Halbert, Brock Yarnes, Brandon Yarnes, Gunner Yarnes, Ariana Enders, and Jordan Yarnes. David especially enjoyed the last few years of his life being Papa to his great-grandchildren, Owen Winter, Emma Winter, Nolan Lewis, Elena Lewis, and Connor Lints.

To honor David’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of David’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Legion Post #376, PO Box 217, Oxford, NY 13830.