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Celebrating the life of
Lt. Col. John Kenneth Yeckley (U.S. Air Force, Retired)
Passed away on January 27, 2024
Ken
Lt. Colonel John Kenneth Yeckley, (Ken), (U.S. Air Force, Retired), passed away peacefully on January 27, 2024, at the age of 82.
Ken was born on March 25, 1941, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Albert Francis Yeckley and Helen Hughes Yeckley. He attended St. Bernard’s Catholic School and Mt. Lebanon High School.
Upon graduation from Notre Dame University in 1963, Ken enlisted in the United States Air Force where he had a successful career as a pilot traveling all over the world.
He served in the Vietnam War and was stationed all across the continental United States. During his tenure in the Air Force, Ken began as a Navigator, then fighter pilot, flight instructor of T-38’s, and finally as a pilot of KC 130’s refueling aircraft.
Ken moved to Savannah, GA in 1990, where he began his second career as a teacher and coach at Benedictine Military School. He truly loved being a role model to B.C. students.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen, of thirty years, his two daughters, Kristine Yeckley of the Netherlands, Anne Marie Sanchez (Christopher) of Atlanta, his three stepsons, Ronald A. Smith, Jr., (Brandy) of Statesboro, Christopher A. Smith of Kansas, and Patrick W. Smith (Kristina) of Savannah, his nine grandchildren, Sebastian, Ellie, Gabriel, Tegan, Colin, Nora, Peirson, Aubrey, and Stanton. Ken also leaves behind a brother, Dr. James A. Yeckley of Savannah, and his loyal, beloved dog, Missy.
We will forever feel grateful and truly blessed for the incredibly honest life, and example he leaves behind.
A Private Rosary and Funeral Service will be held, followed by burial in the Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.
Kathleen & family, I’m so sorry to hear about Ken’s passing. May God give you the strength for the difficult days ahead. Pam
- Pam Stell, Pooler , Ga
I’m sorry to hear about Ken’s passing. He was a great colleague and friend at BC. I remember how the boys loved and respected him in the classroom and on the field. He will be missed!
- Bob Graham, Bailey , Colorado
Coach Yeckley was one of the main influences for me becoming a teacher and coach. He was an amazing teacher and better coach. You will be missed Coach! You’re home now. RIP
- Harry Miles , Savannah , Ga
A candle has been lit!
You are forever loved Poppy
- Ellie, Hamden, CT
Our hearts goes out to you and your family on the loss of Ken. We hope that all the happy memories will get you all through such a difficult time.
- Mr. & Mrs. Thomas D. Broderick, RichmondHill, GA
Dear Kathleen, Kristine, and Anne Marie, Jack and I are so sad to hear of Kenny’s passing. He was the first Yeckley grandchild and by far Jack’s parents’ favorite. Kathleen, we cherish the memories of our Hilton Head dinners. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love, Carolyn and Jack
- Carolyn and Jack Flavin, Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania
A candle has been lit!
Soar with the eagles & fighter jets in heaven. We love & miss you Uncle Ken…
- Sean, Savannah , Ga
Deepest sympathy with love and remembrance for a truly remarkable, generous and caring teacher and friend. Ken's encouragement and support helped to realize Ben's dream. Blessings and prayers for family and all who will never forget him
- Mary PerossaBorte/Ben's mom, SAVANNAH, GA
A candle has been lit!
Kathaleen, I’m so sorry! Please call if you need to talk? love Linda
- Linda Barnes, Brooklet, Ga
Our prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Cousin Kenny will be remembered by all as a man who loved his family, worked hard and had such a great sense of humor and laugh. Rest in peace, cousin. Maureen Yeckley Torcasi and family
- Maureen Yeckley Torcasi, Pittsburgh, Pa
A candle has been lit!
Our son Tom learned a great deal from coach Yeckley, lessons that have helped shape his character in life. You touched the lives of so many and will be missed by all. RIP my friend
- Tom and Helen Taggart , Savannah , Georgia
RIP Coach Yeckley. Coach was nice enough to give my brothers and I a ride to school everyday when we attended B.C. He was truly a good man. My condolences to his family.
- Jermal Norman Patterson, Winder, GA
So sorry Patrick our prayers are with you and your family.
- Murray &Thelma Armstrong , Pooler , GA
Coach Yeckley was one of best men I've known, a great teacher and coach, but better role model. I still try to live by some of the life lessons he taught. Yeckley and Smith families, I'm thinking of and praying for you all.
- Sam Herman, Alpharetta, GA
Coach Yeckley was someone I spent a lot of time with. I think of him frequently and he has remained a household name after all these years for me. I just know in my heart that he is going to travel well.
- Jimmy Holland, Savannah, Georgia
I'm sorry for your loss. Coach Yeckley was a wonderful individual. He created gentlemen out of boys and will be missed but never forgotten.
- Griffin Brawner, Savannah, Georgia
Kathleen I am so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. The Yecker was a great college and lifetime friend. We played intramural football together and he and I coached a team our senior year. In fact, we ran the Mt. Lebanon offense. The family's move to Detroit was good for me because I'm a native Detroiter. I have so many memories and they're all GOOD. May the Good Lord watch over all of you. God bless, Bria
- Brian D Richardson, Macungie, Pennsylvania
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- A Private Service Will Be Held