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Donald “Splitbeard” Yockey born October 20, 1942, in Shelby, Ohio, passed in his home surrounded by his loving family on January 2, 2024, in Mansfield, Ohio, following a courageous seven-month battle with cancer.
Don was a lover of Ohio history and a living history reenactor alongside his wife Kathleen. For over 40 years throughout the regional Midwest, they together brought history to life for people of all ages in schools and parks, teaching others about the interactions between the settlers and Native Americans who made this land their home. They wore hand-sewn costumes and displayed their historical artifacts in a teepee, which they also made. While some children were wary of the big man with the big voice (and split beard) all were entranced by the stories they heard.
Don had a servant’s heart, leading him to become involved in Scouts serving in many positions including those within Boy Scout Troop 121; he was a United Way representative; Lead of Maintenance for Stone Container for 42 years until his retirement; officer of Local 708 IUE AFL CIO; board member of Mansfield Catholic Charities and was a foster parent; founding member of Christ Child Society; founding member and officer of the Clearfork Valley Rangers; member of Buzzard Hollow Muzzleloader Club in Bellville, and a founding member of the Malabar Spinning and Weaving Guild.
Please join us in honoring Don's life and legacy by supporting cancer research in making a gift today.
