William Roger Yoakum

William Roger Yoakum, age 83 of Fairborn, passed away peacefully Thursday May 14, 2026 at his residence. He was born September 16, 1942 in Greene County, the son of the late James Robert and Helen Louise (Bellows) Yoakum.

Roger served his country in the US Army during Vietnam and followed with employment as an instrument technician with Southwestern Portland Cement Co., retiring in 1997 after 29 ½ years of service. He attended Wright View Church of the Nazarene and was an avid fisherman and woodworker.

He was known by many names throughout his life. To some, he was “WD8BBT,” the familiar voice behind the ham radio microphone. To his coworkers, he was “Yogi,” a nickname carried with friendship and respect. But the titles that meant the most to him were the ones spoken by family – Husband, Dad, Pap, and Papaw. Those names reflected the role he cherished most: being the steady, loving center of the people who mattered most to him.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three sisters, Irene (Dave) Silcott, Mary Ellen (Clyde) Yeaton, Kay (R.J.) Hill; two brothers, Robert Lewis Yoakum, Richard (Linda) Yoakum; in-laws, J.C. and Jackie Robinson; and a brother-in-law, Richard Robinson.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Saundra; three children, Michael (Karen) Yoakum, Shannon (Joe) Hodge, Teresa (Mark) Wright; seven grandchildren, Cameron Yoakum, Courtland Kerstanski, Phillip Kerstanski (Cora), Allison Ballentine, Hannah McComas (Brandon), Shelby Jo Hodge (Will), Krislyn Yoakum (Dredenn Hoel); seven great-grandchildren, Noah, Danlyn, Jeremiah, Garrett, Maverick, Claya, Walker; a brother, Kenneth (Judy) Yoakum; sister-in-law, Marilyn Robinson; brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Lily Robinson; bonus daughter, Jackie Wooton; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

A funeral service will be held on Monday May 18, 2026 at 12:00 noon at the Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn, Rev. Trevor Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at the Byron Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Hospice of Dayton or Wright View Church of the Nazarene in his memory.