John W. Yettaw (Lebanon)'s Obituary
John William Yettaw, son of Jerome and Elizabeth Fogo Yettaw, was born September 6, 1955, in Detroit, Michigan. He peacefully departed this life on Friday, May 21, 2021, in his home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of sixty-five years, eight months, and fourteen days.
He was proceeded in death by his parents; two sons, Clint and Shawn; a brother, Jerry, and two sisters, Carole and Linda Jean.
John is survived by his two daughters, Rachel Wilmeth and her husband, Zack, of Brookline, Missouri, and Carley Yettaw, of Willard, Missouri; three sons, Kevin Yettaw and his wife Kesha, Dennis Yettaw, and Brian Yettaw, all of Lebanon, Missouri; a step-son, Craig Dehner of Marshfield, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; a twin sister, Deborah Simoneschi and her husband, James, of the state of Washington; and three nieces Melissa Walsh, Heather Rosenberg, and Ashley Simoneschi.
In 1969, John relocated from Michigan to California and in 1973, he enlisted in the United States Army. After being honorably discharged from the military, John returned to California and began work as a building contractor. In 1993, he moved to Missouri where he earned a quadruple major in Biology, Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice. He then worked as a tour bus driver at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for a time. In the years following, John engaged in international travels to Asia, which led to many adventures.
John was a long-time member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had a strong faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ, and knew “by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:5). John was placed on this earth with a divine purpose and his most honored role throughout his journey was that of being a father. Later in life, he also joyfully accepted the loving title of “Dwampy.”
John was an introverted and private man with a witty and colorful personality. He was a collector- a collector of stories. He appreciated and enjoyed art, including literature, movies, music, and photography. In true artistic fashion, John embraced the Japanese philosophy of wabi sabi- finding the beauty in the imperfection. This correlated with his LOVE YOU/LOVE VIEW of living and treating others (as we are all flawed) with empathy and kindness.
John was exceedingly compassionate, generous, and resilient. He was particularly sensitive to the needs of others experiencing hurt and hardship, having known both well. As one of this favorite artists once said, “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain. I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end. I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend.” (James Taylor, Fire and Rain, 1970). Goodbye for now, John- our father, Dwampy, brother, and most of all, cherished friend.
Graveside services for Mr. Yettaw will be Thursday, May 27 at 3 p.m. at the Yettaw Family Cemetery, officiated by Bishop Mike DeWitt. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Lebanon, MO.
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