John W. Yocum

John W. Yocum, Sr., 87, of Cumru Township, died September 28, 2009, in Reading Hospital.

His wife, Anne L. (Sfingas) Yocum, died January 31.

He was a graduate of Reading High School in 1940, where he participated in cross country, track and basketball. John earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Albright College in 1949. While at Albright, he was a member of the basketball team.

John was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II.

Serving as a PGA teaching professional for 50 years, he was a golf pro for Galen Hall from 1957 to 1966, Reading Country Club from 1966 to 1978, and continued in that capacity at both Flying Hills and Pagoda Golf. He owned Yocum Golf Shop at Venske Driving Range for a number of years. He was the first golf coach at Alvernia University, a position he maintained for 16 years. He was also a longtime Reading/Berks basketball official. John was inducted into both the Albright College and Alvernia University Athletic Halls of Fame as well as the Berks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Known as a public speaker, humorist, and storyteller, he served as emcee at numerous banquets throughout Pennsylvania.

He was a member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Wilshire.

John is survived by his daughter, Patricia A., wife of Scott Leary, Reiffton, and his son, John W., Jr., husband of Cheryl Yocum, Sinking Spring. Six grandchildren and one great-grandson also survive him.

A memorial service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in St. Peter's UCC, 2901 Curtis Road, Reading, PA 19609. Burial will be private in Charles Evans Cemetery. The family will greet friends and relatives from 9 to 11 a.m. in the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Albright College Red and White Club, 13th and Bern Streets, P.O. Box 15234, Reading, PA 19612-5234 or Alvernia University Athletic Department, 400 St. Bernardine Street, Reading PA 19607. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.