Richard C. Yarnes

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Richard C. Yarnes, 91, of Walton passed away Thursday, June 1, 2023, at home in Walton following a brief illness.

Dick was born May 18, 1932 in Walton, the son of the late Richard H. and Juanita (Constable) Yarnes. Dick proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean war from 1952 to 1955 aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Midway.

On July 11, 1959 he married the former Marjorie Parsons in Walton; she predeceased him Dec. 17, 1996. On Aug. 12, 2000, he married the former Carol Dow in Baldwinsville. She also predeceased him on March 7, 2014.

Dick retired as an instructor of electrical wiring and maintenance at SUNY Delhi. He also worked as an electrical inspector for Delaware and Otsego counties, was an electrician locally as well as with IBM and other companies over the years. His hobbies included all things outdoors such as camping, hunting, fishing, farming and land management. He also enjoyed dancing throughout his life.

He served as a trustee of the Plymouth Church, the Delaware County Electric Cooperative, and the Franklin Fire Insurance Board for 37 years. Richard was one of the founding/charter members of the Walton Emergency Squad and served as president of the Delaware County Emergency Services organization for many years. He was a volunteer fireman and honorary board member in the Walton Fire Department.

Dick is survived by his loving family and special friend and partner, Edith Mills; children, Roseann Hotaling of Corinth, Michael (Cindy) Yarnes of Kutztown, Penn., grandchildren, Jared (Kate), Eric (Brooke), Daniel and Lauren, great-grandchildren Adilynn, Phoebe and Wesley; sisters Eleanor Donnelly of Hamden, Faye Yarnes of Liberty and lifelong friend Don Ogden of Walton. Several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was predeceased by brother Gail Yarnes, sisters Evelyn Yarnes, Dawn Gordon and Juanita Robinson.

Dick will be long remembered driving his vintage 1941 Jeep Willy’s in many parades over the years. He will also be remembered as a kind and considerate man who gave of his time and resources to neighbors, friends in the community and through organizations his entire life, always with a kind word and a smile.

A graveside service will be held Friday, Aug. 11, at 10 a.m. at the Walton Cemetery, 55 Fancher Avenue, Walton, with full military honors. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at the Walton Firehouse immediately following where the community who knew and loved him are all welcome to attend.

Memorial contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to Walton Fire Department and EMS, 61 West Street Walton, NY 13856, or Plymouth Church, 6033 County Hwy. 21, Walton, NY 13856.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Courtney Funeral Home, Walton. 

Condolences to the family may be made online at www.courtneyfh.com