Donald Richard Yocum, 84, of Bakersfield, CA, passed away peacefully at his home with his family at his side on January 8, 2013 to be with the love of his life, Nancy Lou Yocum.

He was born July 15, 1928 in Osawatomie, KS - the youngest of ten children.

A veteran of the U. S. Navy, and playing an active role as a communications specialist during the atomic testing on Eniwetok Atoll in the South Pacific, Donald served during the Korean War from 1948 to 1952.

Donald retired from the Southern California Edison company with 33 years of faithful service. He provided well for his family and was always willing to help friends and family in need. He had an incredible smile and a generous heart with an infinite capacity for loving his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends. A special thank you to San Joaquin hospital and those staff who treated our father like family.

He is survived by his children & their spouses: Raymon & Elaine Yocum, Bradley & Suzanne Yocum, Sandra & Gino Valpredo and Fred Hamblin. His grandchildren: Wayne Hamblin, Gina & Steve Fry, Christian & Cole Morris-Valpredo, Bradley Jr. & Laurel Yocum and Nicco & Angelina Valpredo. His great-grandchildren: Ryan Hamblin, Kaitlyn, Amber & Skylar Fry.

Donald is preceded in death by his children: Donna Hamblin & Terri-Lynn Yocum and his grandson Carter Morris.

Funeral services were held January 14, 2013 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Bakersfield.

Published in Bakersfield Californian on January 12, 2013