John F. Yancey Jr.

John F. Yancey Jr., 85, of Belleville, Illinois, born Friday, September 10, 1926, in East Saint Louis, IL, went to heaven on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Illinois.

John was the owner and operator of Yancey Truck Service for more then 40 years.  He was a member of Saint Henry Catholic Church in Belleville, IL. He enlisted in the United States Navy (Sea Bees) at age 17 and honorably served in World War II.
He was amazingly unique, no one ever said anything negative about him. He was easy to love, extremely humble and kind. John enjoyed the simple pleasures of life like keeping his trucks and cars polished and shined, doing yard work and relaxing in his porch swing. He was our hero and great role model for all. He will never be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his:

  • Parents: John F. and Bessie Irene nee Peters Yancey Sr.
  • Brother: James E. Yancey


He is survived by the love of his life:

  • Shirley M. nee Larsen Yancey who he proposed to on their second date. They were married on November 15, 1947 at St. Joseph Church in East St. Louis by their special friend Msgr. E.W. Lugge
  • Son: John F. (Diana) Yancey III of Belleville, IL
  • Daughter: Carole Lynn (Melvyn) Crespo of Belleville, IL
  • Grandchildren
    • Jeanine Yancey-Baxter
    • John Yancey
    • Amanda Kryskowiak
    • Ian Yancey
    • Jason Sengebusch
    • Jessica Yancey
    • Kipp Yancey
  • 13 Great Grandchildren
  • Sister-in-Law: Wanda Yancey
  • Niece: Irene Yancey of Belleville, IL


Special thanks to all the nurses in ICU at Memorial Hospital and Dr. Shaikh and Dr. Hyatt.

Visitation:  Friends may call from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Thursday, August 30, 2012 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.

Funeral:  A funeral procession will leave from Kurrus Funeral  Home in Belleville, IL at 9:40 am, Friday, August 31, 2012 for a 10:00 am mass of Christian Burial at Saint Henry Catholic Church in Belleville, Illinois with Rev. Kenneth York officiating.  Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, Illinois.

Condolences left for John F. Yancey Jr.:

    John, Carole and Shirley: I can feel your loss and so sorry for it. John was a very special person and is now at peace. May God hold you all in his loving arms at this sad time.

    Patty (Hanley) Berg Belleville IL 62226

    Dear John, Carole, Shirley and family,
    We are very sorry for your loss. Mr. Yancey (John as he would insist) is truly one of the last of his class of mankind, positive, kind hearted family man, a true American trucker with common courtesy and not last or least, a friendship appreciated, we have all been blessed by his presence. Your family truly has one of the best guardian angels ever!


    Don & Martha Argus St. Jacob Illinois 62281

    He was the best Great Grandfather anyone could ever hope for, and I just wish he was still with us this holiday season. He was truly a role model for everyone, and for many years to come. I can only hope that I am half the man that he was.

    Chase E. Simpson Holly Springs North Carolina 27540