Vernon Yeomans

Vernon F. "Speed" Yeomans, age 90, of Mendon died Monday, Sep. 25, 2017 at his home. He was born in Battle Creek, MI on March 4, 1927 the son of Duane and Geneva (Rogers) Yeomans. He attended Mendon Schools, and dropped out in the 10th grade to join the U.S. Army and serve in Europe during World War II. He returned to Michigan where he worked as a carpenter, and later at Warren Alloy in Vicksburg, where met his future wife. Speed and Maxine May Roop were married on Sep. 1, 1951 in Vicksburg and resided together in Mendon until her death in 2004. Speed earned his nickname by racing stock cars at local tracks. He worked for Kline Construction and Paving before becoming the Transportation Supervisor and Mechanic for Mendon Public Schools, retiring in 1990. Speed was an active member of V.F.W. Post #4898 in Mendon. He was part of the honor guard and flag raising crew at all home football games for 60 years. He enjoyed, hunting, fishing, gardening, and morning coffee sessions in downtown Mendon. Speed is survived by two sons, Brad Yeomans of Leonidas and Brian (Julie) Yeomans of Mesick; seven grandchildren, Robert (Sara) Yeomans, Ryan Yeomans, Lindsey (Matt) Stanke, Lauren Yeomans, Kathleen (Eric) Spencer, Anthony (Renee) Robinson, and Kellie Robinson; eight great-grandchildren, Lilly and Carter Yeomans, Emmie Stanke, Andrew, Evan, Noah, and Alaina Spencer, and Breanne Robinson; two great-great-grandchildren, Cassie and Aliliyah; brother, Harold Yeomans of Cassopolis; several nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brother, Irwin Yeomans; and two sisters, Rosemary Manning and Kleo Cahow. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday Sep. 29, 2017 at the funeral home with Norm Stutesman, Chaplain of Hice-Shutes American Legion Post #170 officiating. Military interment will be in Mendon Cemetery. The family suggests that donations be directed to the Mendon Community Schools Foundation, 148 Kirby Rd., Mendon, MI 49072.