Chalmer Clee Yocum

Chalmer was born on Sept. 6, 1951, in Weston, West Virginia, the son of the late Sherwood and Annabelle Yocum.

On June 14, 1970 he married his childhood sweetheart, Patricia Ann McGee, who survives at their home in Elk City. They had just celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Also surviving are his son, Chalmer Clee Yocum II and wife, Tonia, of Williamsburg, Virginia; and his daughter, Sheila Ann Copeland and husband, Tom, of Grafton; his grandsons, Chalmer Clee Yocum III, Thomas “Quincy” Copeland, Blake Copeland and Spencer Copeland; and granddaughter, Callie Copeland.

Their love, care and support during his illness was unlike any other. Chalmer loved his family unconditionally and was so proud of each and every one of them.

Chalmer is also survived by brothers, Lindsey, Tom, Jack and Paul; and sisters, Carol and Tammy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Delorse; and infant sister, Alice.

Chalmer attended elementary and grade school at Overfield, Philippi Junior High and Philip Barbour High School before answering the call to serve his country. He proudly served in the United States Army from April 1971 to April 1973 with a tour of duty in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division. He was honorably discharged, receiving the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Expert Automatic Rifle and Pistol Badge and Marksman Badge with Machine Gun and Mortar Bars.

Chalmer grew up with a strong work ethic and began working at an early age. While going to high school, he worked at Discount Tire in Clarksburg. He then worked in strip mining for Shirley Hite, and many years for Bill Compton at C&W Coal Company. He retired from Gold Resources, working with Jeff Goldizen and his brother-in-law, Eugene “Pee Wee” McVicker, as a heavy equipment mechanic and operator.

Chalmer’s true passion in life was to be a farmer, spending many hours on the farm raising beef cattle, putting up hay and building fence. Patty used to say they’d be rich if they had a nickel for every foot of fence he built, to which he replied, we’re already rich; meaning they were blessed in ways beyond money. He was right. Alongside his brother-in-law, Hayward, they spent many hours a field doing the things that he loved on the farm. His mechanical knowledge and willingness to help friends and neighbors was immense. He was admired by many and he leaves a lasting impact on those who knew him. He will forever be remembered by his family for his unending love and support.

Chalmer received excellent care in his hard-fought battle with prostate cancer and Parkinson’s Disease contributed to Agent Orange. His family would like to thank Dr. Rubi, his nurse Mary, and their entire team for their unconditional support.

The family would also like to thank the Barbour County Senior Center in home care program and especially their caregivers Tim, Frank, Debbie and Linda. We couldn’t have done it without them. Another special thank you to Mountain Hospice and their team of nurses.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Checks can be made out to Quilts of Valor Foundation and mailed to Quilts of Valor Foundation P.O. Box 191 Winterset, IA 50273, or online at qovf.org/donate.

Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home and on-site Crematory, 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi, on Wednesday June 25, from 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday June 26, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home chapel at 1 p.m. with Pastor Mike Rexroad officiating. Interment will follow in the Elk City Cemetery with military honors being accorded by the U.S. Army and American Legion Post 96.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wrightfuneral homeservices.com.