Bethel Yeomans

Bethel "Bill" Enoch Yeomans, aged 87, of Grandville, Michigan, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2023. A wonderful grandfather to his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and uncle to his nieces, and nephews. Bill had numerous careers in his lifetime, including 10 years with Dow Jones News Service and 10 years as a houseparent (with Barbara Yeomans) at the Milton Hershey School in Hershey Pennsylvania. During his time at Hershey, he studied and earned a bachelor's degree and was an inspiration to both his family and the many children he cared for. In addition, Bill proudly served in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic during the Korean War at Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake, Washington and was a pillar of integrity, independence, and quiet strength to those he loved. His generosity was shared through the vegetables he grew, and his warmth was felt in the strength of his hugs; he was a good man, and words fail to communicate how much he was loved by those lucky enough to know him. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Hall Yeomans; parents, Adelbert and Julia Yeomans; son, Daniel J. Yeomans; step-son, Richard Hall; and step-grandsons, Forrest Hancock and Jonathan Downs. He is survived by his brothers, James E. Yeomans (Kathy) and Michael Yeomans; sisters, Mary Millirans and Betty Nicholson; children, William Yeomans, Robert Yeomans, James B. Yeomans (Linda), Joseph Yeomans, and Lela Yeomans; daughter-in-law, Jill Yeomans; step-children, Deanna (Ken) Hancock, Robert (Kriste) Hall, Dawna (Jeff) Hartt, Darlene (Lee) Childs, and Delinda (Dan) Ryan; daughter-in-law, Renei Hall; and friend, Penny Nickel. He will be greatly missed by all. In honor of Bill, and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Milton Hershey School. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, 3627 Linden Avenue SE, Grand Rapids. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Air Force and Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bethel Yeomans, please visit our flower store.