Billy Darell Yoakum

The family of Billy Darell Yoakum will celebrate his life of 75 years at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 19, 2020, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. The family will host a time of fellowship and remembrance from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, September 18, 2020, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. Graveside services will be Monday, September 21, 2020 at 11:00 am in the Florence Cemetery, Florence, Texas. He passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2020. In support of the health of his family, face coverings are mandatory while attending the service and visitation. The service will be live-streamed and be available for thirty days on this page. You are encouraged to sign the virtual guestbook and share memories and expressions of sympathy by selecting the icon.

Billy Darell Yoakum was born on April 13, 1945, to the late William and Nina Yoakum in Matador, Texas. Bill (or, Darell, as he was called by his family and friends through high school) was reared in Spur and Lockney, Texas. He attended South Plains College in Levelland prior to entering the U.S. Army in 1967. After graduating from Artillery Candidate School with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, he was stationed at Fort Hood Army Base, where he met his future wife, Ellon Brooks. The two were married August 31, 1968. He served his country in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot from August 4, 1969, to August 3, 1970, during which time he achieved the rank of Captain. Upon separation from the Army in 1973, he began his 30-plus year career as an agricultural lender in the Farm Credit System, reaching the position of President/CEO of Ag New Mexico, from which he retired in 2009.

In August of 1971, Bill and Ellon were blessed with their daughter, Terry Lynn. In 1994, they were pleased to have son-in-law Eric Knight join the family. The apples of Bill’s eye were his two precious grandchildren, Peyton and Sutton Knight.

Survivors include his wife, Ellon Yoakum; daughter, Terry Lynn Knight and husband Eric of Lubbock; grandchildren, Peyton Knight, and Sutton Knight; sister, Barbara Jean Carthel and husband Charlie of Lockney; nieces, Robin Sidney and husband Carlos of Las Vegas, NV, and Christine Stewart and husband Ryan of San Antonio; and a nephew, Russell Carthel and wife Cathi of Big Spring; and three great-nephews, four great-nieces.