Albert Lawrence Yocum, III, passed away peacefully, in his home in Westover, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the age of 86. A cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and respected community leader, Albert was born February 6, 1939, in Jere, and lived a life marked by courage, service, and an unwavering commitment to his loved ones and his country.
Although dealing with multiple illnesses, he never complained and received the greatest of loving care from his family, especially his wife, Antoinette “Toni”. When loved ones entered his presence, he would have a smile, a “Hi, Babe” and the occasional, “Let’s go Mountaineers!”
Albert’s journey began as the son of the late Albert L. Yocum, Jr., and his wife, the late Rose Bell Hall Yocum. As an only child, he learned life lessons from parents who instilled hard work and living life without excess. These attributes were foundational for his whole life of hard work.
His first chapter of adulthood was spent honorably serving his nation as a United States Army veteran working as an airplane mechanic, exemplifying courage and patriotism.
Following his military service, Albert enjoyed a distinguished career in banking. Alongside his professional accomplishments, he was also deeply dedicated to his community. Albert’s civic enthusiasm led him to serve the Westover Community, as a member of the Westover City Council, where he was a voice for progress and community engagement, often applying common sense to complex issues. His leadership and wisdom were further recognized when he was elected as the mayor of Westover, a role in which he served with distinction and honor.
Albert enjoyed life also and shared those joys with those lucky enough to be friends with him. He loved golf and bowling and his children and grandchildren have many fond memories of him teaching them everything from wrestling moves to hook shots. He was very engaged with each of the four children applying assistance and wisdom to help direct lifelong careers ranging from medical, electrical, teaching and engineering.
His personal life was defined for his profound love for his family. He also had an immense love for the Deverick children and grandchildren, treating them as his own.
Albert Lawrence Yocum, III will be remembered as a man of courage; someone who faced life’s challenges with determination and grace. He set a remarkable example for all who knew him, and his presence will be deeply missed. Albert’s story, though now complete, will continue to inspire his family, friends, and the community he served so faithfully throughout his 86 years of life. He will be missed, but never
forgotten.
He is survived by the mother of his children and first wife, Rita K. Yocum of Westover and their children: Sherry A. Williams (Donald) of Morgantown, Lucinda S. Hodgkiss (Mark) of Chesterton, Ind., Lisa K. Robinson (Ryan) of Hampstead, N.C., and son, Gregory A. Yocum (Susan) of Westover.
His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren, Loren Appel (Thomas), Abigail Rios Williams (Juan), Mark Hodgkiss (Hannah), David Hodgkiss, Eryn Yocum, Jacob Yocum, Isaac Yocum, and Talon Robinson.
Albert is survived by his loving and devoted present wife of 25 years, Antoinette J. Devericks; and his love for her children: Deena M. Cathell, William R. Devericks (Amy), and Camden Devericks, all of Charlotte, N.C.; cherished grandchildren: Hope A. Devericks (Carlos) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Alexis M. Devericks (Matt) of Morgantown, and Emma Cathell (Steve) of Charlotte; great-grandchildren: Wesley Jozef of North Carolina and Elton Alvarez of Colorado.
This exemplifies my husband:
“If”
“If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, if you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting, too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, or being hated, don’t give way to hating, and yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise. If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with Kings-nor lose the common touch, if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, if all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, and-which is more-you’ll be a Man, my son!” – excerpt from “If” by Rudyard Kipling
As one of his many friends said, “Great Guy – Great Run.”
Friends will be received in the McCulla Funeral Home, 770 Fairmont, Road, Westover, from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 10. Visitation will continue Wednesday, June 11, in St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 3346 University Avenue, Morgantown, WV 26505, from 10 until the time of a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with the Rev. John P. McDonough as celebrant. Interment will follow at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens.
Condolences may be extended to the family at www.McCulla.com
