Obituary of Robert Cruze Yearwood

Robert “Bob” passed away July 9, 2013. He was 90. Bob was born December 2, 1922 in Knoxville, TN, where he spent his early years and met his wife Patricia Daley. He moved his young family to Seattle in 1956 and lived in Des Moines since 1962. Bob graduated from Knoxville High School in 1941. He worked as a welder for Alcoa before joining the army and serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during WWII. He served again during the Korean Conflict. He worked for various employers, including Boeing, Darigold, Humpty Dumpty and Yuen Lui. In 1978, he and his son started a photography business and, in 1981, opened Yearwood Studio in Puyallup where he worked until his retirement. Bob loved music and was a gifted harmonica player. He received his first harmonica at age four and was still playing the day before his passing. He also loved swing dancing, was a serious baker, and built hundreds of aluminum can airplanes as a hobby. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Patricia; brothers, Mack F. Yearwood and James H. Yearwood; and sister, Margaret J. Stallsworth. He is survived by his four children, son, Robert C. Yearwood Jr. (Kathy) of Puyallup; and daughters, Laura M. Warren (Paul) of Ketchikan, AK, Margaret A. Hutchinson (Dr. James B.), and Patricia I. Yearwood (Bob Boes) both of Olympia; 11 grandchildren, Alexander, Joseph, Amanda, Anne, Jessica, Sarah, Matthew, Kathryn, Nathan, Leah, Audrey; nine great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. He was loved and will be greatly missed. Please leave memories of Bob or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.