Robert L. Yandell

Robert Lee Yandell was born July 2, 1916 in Prosser, Washington to parents Mahala Sophrona (Murch) & Robert Lee Yandell, Sr. In 1922 the family moved to Portland, Oregon. Bob attended Richmond Elementary School and graduated from Roosevelt High School. He followed in his father’s footsteps by taking a job at Union Pacific Railroad. Initially turned down for military service, Bob sought an exemption to qualify for duty in World War II. He joined the US Army January 3, 1944 and was assigned to the 740th Railway Operating Battalion. His group responsibility was to keep the railroads repaired and open for troop transport. He fought in campaigns in Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. Bob was recognized as a Rifle Sharpshooter and fought in The Battle of the Bulge. He received the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal Upon his discharge 2/6/1946. Upon returning from the war, Bob chose never to speak of what he had witnessed and experienced in the war. It changed him forever and it was a time he consciously chose to forget. As a young man, Bob found great pleasure in physical activity. He was a member of PATHFINDERS. It was an exclusive club of mountain climbers. Bob climbed Mt Hood, Mt Adams, Mt Rainier & Mt St Helens (when the top was still there). He lifted weights, claiming to have once lifted 300 lbs (which was more than twice his own weight). He loved the great outdoors and was an avid hiker. Bob married Marjory Lewis on June 14, 1947. They made their home in North Portland and raised two children, Loo-Ann & Richard (Dick). Marjory passed away November 28, 1987 . On May 22, 1993, Bob married his longtime neighbor and friend, Betty (Rutledge) Jones. They had twenty wonderful years together before Betty’s death on November 13, 2013. Bob counted all of the Jones sons and extended family as his own. They were all an important part of his life. Bob was a member of Northminister Presbyterian Church in North Portland since 1953. He was designated a Ruling Elder in 1966. He remained active in his Church until he moved from North Portland in 2003. Bob worked for Union Pacific Rail Road first as a welder and later as a car inspector. He retired after 40 years of service but held a lifelong interest in all railroads. In retirement, Bob took pleasure in woodworking. He loved shopping for tools and never saw a Craftsman tool he did not want. He enjoyed gardening and trips to the coast, Hawaii & to Europe. He loved watching The Portland Trail Blazers. In his earlier years he attended games with his son, Dick, and in later years he watched every game on TV. For his 99th birthday, he celebrated with family and friends with a Trailblazer themed party. In 2003, Bob and Betty moved from their home to Courtyard Village at Raleigh Hills. They enjoyed their life there and made many friends. Following Betty’s death, Bob found independent living to be more challenging so he spent the final year of his life at Portland Foster Home. He was lovingly cared for until his death on July 22, 2015. Bob was foremost a gentleman. He was a good and kind man. He was instantly loved by all who met him. He filled his 99 years with goodness. He taught us to age gracefully and with dignity. Bob is survived by son, Dick Yandell (Marsha), daughter Loo Ann Allen (Robert), Grandsons Kevin Allen (Jennifer) and Patrick Allen. He is also survived by sisters Anna May (Amy) Keesey & Catherine (Cathy) Yandell. Included in Bob’s family are stepsons Nick Jones (Maria), Scott Jones (Barbara), Ernie Jones and their extended families. Bob was preceded in death by Marjory Yandell, Betty Jones Yandell and brother Ray Yandell. Service Information