Harry "Jay" Yeakle

Harry “Jay” Yeakle, age 60 passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family.  The most important thing to Jay was his family and friends and spending time with them, and so it was his last wish to be at home with all of them.

Jay was born on September 7, 1960 in Marion, Indiana the son of the late Harry Otto and Betty June (Anderson) Yeakle.  He married his soul mate Malaya Kellems on April 28, 1997, and she survives.

Jay worked as general manager of Save-On Liquor for many years.  He and Malaya founded the charity organization Help the Hopeful in 1993 to help children in need in Grant County.   Jay and Malaya discovered more needs in the area and began fundraising regularly and have continued to serve the financial needs of families with medically-challenged children.  Help the Hopeful has assisted hundreds of children in the 28 years since they began the organization and has raised over 3 million dollars for families in need.  Jay worked tirelessly every year organizing the annual Help the Hopeful Auction and each year it was his goal to beat the previous year in what they were able to raise for the children.  He took great pride in Help the Hopeful and this showed in his and Malaya’s accomplishments over the years.  In addition to Help the Hopeful, they also supported Toys for Kids of Grant County for over 20 years.  He was well respected in our community and will be missed by so many.

Jay was a recipient of many awards including: the Golden Deed Award, the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the City of Marion Champion Award and had also received the Key to the City of Marion.

He is survived by his wife, Malaya Yeakle of Marion; two sons, Wade Andrew (Princess Anne) Yeakle and Brooks (Inez) Davis, both of Marion; two daughters, Brandi Jae Yeakle of Marion, and Amanda Sue Yeakle of Muncie; brothers, Wes Yeakle, Daryl (Robin) Yeakle, Tony Yeakle, Greg (Stephanie) Yeakle, and Tim (Danney) Yeakle; sisters, Vickie (Rick) Connett, Patty Kerschner, Carol (John) Lawson and Barbara J. (Clarence) Williams;  eleven grandchildren, Shawndell Jr. (Brittany), Javon, Tre’, Azhaiya, Dominick Jr., Unique, Zavier, Kimiah, Kyliegh, Brogan and Jasmine;  four great-grandchildren, Kayson, Izabella, Bentlee and one on the way; many many nieces and nephews; and Jay’s special buddy, Phil Miller.

In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by two sisters, Vickie Connett and Barbara Williams.

Friends and family may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Grace Community Church, 1810 E. Bradford Pike, Marion, Indiana.  Visitation will also take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  (noon) on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 in the church prior to funeral services.  Funeral Services will begin at noon with Reverend Tom Mansbarger officiating.

Burial will follow in Estates of Serenity Cemetery, Marion, Indiana.

In honor of Jay, memorial contributions may be made to Help the Hopeful, 2721 W. Chapel Pike, Marion, Indiana 46952.

Arrangements are entrusted to Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 W. Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.

Online condolences for the family may be shared at www.ravenchoate.com .