Bernard Alfred Yelton

Bernard A. Yelton, age 89 of Pulaski, TN a cherished loved one, passed away peacefully into God’s loving arms, with family by his side on July 1, 2025.

Born on March 24, 1936 in Cold Brook, NY at the family’s home, he was the second to arrive of twins. As he always stated, “I had to kick Beverly (his twin sister) out into the world.” Son of Mildred (Weaver) and Verle Yelton, Sr. He was a loyal and devoted companion for 37 years to Marie (Forsyth) Van Derlindon, and later in years, cherished companion of 11 years to Margaret “Peggy” Crug.

He was a hard-working, dedicated, life career auto mechanic, who loved working on all the older vehicles. He once received the ‘Golden Tool Award’ from the Chrysler Corporation in both 1984-85; for problem solving issues that were occurring in both year models with their engines. He worked several places in his working years, but mostly remained within the Boonville and Lyons Falls, NY area at such places as Lee Pontiac, Jay’s Sales and Service, Black River Truck and Tire, and ultimately retiring from LeRoy Toth Enterprises in 2013.

He was a long, time member of the Rod and Gun Club (Boonville, NY) and a lifetime member of the Elk’s Lodge #2158 in Boonville, NY.

He was a native and resident of the Adirondack region of upstate NY, residing mainly in the Oneida and Lewis County area, until his young eighties, at which time he chose to relocate to Middle TN, to reside with his only son and family, where he enjoyed many camping trips, fishing on the TN river, boating, family gatherings, sight-seeing rides and making several new friends along the way. His greatest joy however was spending time with his son, grandchildren, who lived nearby and his great grandbabies; mowing, spray painting anything he could find and loved his front porch, rocking in his chair with his faithful canine Daisy Mae by his side.

He leaves a legacy of generosity, kindness, compassion and love. He will be remembered for his constant story-telling, jokes, a laugh full of life, and his huge personality. We who were fortunate to know him will never forget. He will live on through the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

Survived by his children, whom he loved deeply, Kevin (Evangeline) Yelton of Pulaski, TN, Jo Anne (Allen) Rodriguez of Collierville, TN and BethAnne (Robert) Tatro of Concord, NH, along with Gerritt VanDerlinden of Boonville, NY, who was asked upon as a son. Eleven grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren; siblings, Beverly (late George) Wheelock of Boonville, NY, Shirley (late Stewart) Dunn of Boonville, NY. Close friends, Bill Williamson, of Constableville, NY, Gene Stanford of Port Leyden, NY, and Leonard wilder of Lyins Falls, NY. And his best friend of all, his loyal and beloved dog Daisy Mae.

Preceded in death by; siblings, Robert Yelton (infant), Helen Abel, Mabel Young, Paul Yelton, Sr., Gordon Scheicher, and Verle Yelton, Jr.

A graveside service will be conducted on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 1:00pm at Swanson Cemetery, Chapel Hill, TN with Chaplain Kent McDowell officiating.  A celebration of life service will be conducted on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 1:00pm at United Methodist Church in Constableville, NY with his niece Holley De Lapo officiating for his family and friends in his hometown area who would like to attend and share a memory.

A special thanks his family would like to extend to the Caris Hospice Group of Lawrenceburg, TN; for their immense compassion, love and tender care like no other seen before, especially to his special aid Kenzie and nurses Ruth, Tammy, Shirley and Alexis.

“Every life is noted and is cherished, and nothing loved is ever lost or perished.” Madeline L’ Eng

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to any wildlife foundation, including TN Wildlife Resources Foundation, 5000 Linbar Drive, suite 275, Nashville,TN 37211 or Caris Hospice, 1412 Trotwood Avenue, suite 11, Columbia, TN 38401.

LAWRENCE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATION SERVICES, 203 South Horton Pkwy, Chapel Hill, TN, 931-364-2233 is in charge arrangements.