Reuben B. Yelding
October 26th, 1922 - January 20th, 2013
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Reuben's Obituary
Reuben B. Yelding, 90, of South Haven, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 20, 2013, in the Lighthouse unit of Oak Crest of Holland.
Reuben was born on October 26, 1922, in Daphne, Alabama. He was a resident of Daphne until he entered the Army on December 14, 1942, where he served as a Gun Commander and Sergeant in Company C of the 679th Tank Destroyer unit. While serving in Italy, France, and Egypt, he earned the WWII Victory Medal, the American Service Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with two bronze stars. He served in the European theater from January 10, 1945 – January 24, 1946. He was extremely proud of his service to our country and of all others who served and continue to serve our country today. Shortly after his return to the United States he moved from Daphne to South Haven, Michigan where he met and married his wife of 54 years, Alma (Bowers) Yelding. He became the first African American to ever be elected to the South Haven Board of Education. He will be remembered as a loyal and loving husband and father and the best grandfather and great-grandfather ever. He will be missed and always remembered for his genuine kindness to others, his friendly personality, and his willingness to put the needs of others ahead of his own.
Reuben was preceded in death by his wife Alma in 2002, his brother Harold in 2002, his mother Louise Burton in 1977, his step-father Culvert Burton, and his great-grandson, Alexander in 1999.
He is survived by his son John, of Holland, his son and daughter-in-law, Reuben and Janet Yelding of South Haven, his grandchildren Tracy, Lynnette, Elisa, Heather, Michael, Ryan, Nicole, Jason, and Justin, and 24 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 5:30-8:30 on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home, 1076 Bailey Avenue, in South Haven. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church, 429 Michigan Avenue, in South Haven. Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven.
Memorial contributions may be given to Spectrum Health Hospice and Palliative Care, 588 East Lakewood Boulevard, Holland, Michigan 49424, any local Hospice care organization, or to the First United Methodist Church, 429 Michigan Avenue, South Haven, Michigan 49090.
Arrangements are being handled by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home, 1076 Bailey Avenue, in South Haven.
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