Allan Ladd "Laddie Boy" Yokum, Sr. --An Extraordinary Man

Allan Ladd "Laddie Boy" Yokum, Sr., passed away on October 11, 2022 at the age of 75.  Allan was born October 22, 1946 in Rayne, La., to Woodrow Yokum and Laura Chevis Yokum.   He was baptized at an early age at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Branch, La., under the leadership of Rev. Steward.  He married the former Beulah Wilridge April 12, 1969, and four children were born to this union.

He began his adult working life at the age of 17, working with Raymond and Garrett Construction. When he moved his young family to Lake Charles, he worked with Murphy Construction for a time, before gaining employment at the Greater Lake Charles Water Company (later the City of Lake Charles Water Division), first as a member of the construction crew, a meter reader, an operator, and a foreman. He ended his 34-year career as a supervisor, as well as a trusted colleague and wise mentor to many City employees.

Allan was a long-time member of the New Light Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Isiah Thibodeaux. Jr.  He served in his church as a member of the Men's Choir, a board member, a senior deacon, Vice-President of the Deacon Board, and a faithful all-around member who loved his church family and was willing to do whatever was needed.

Allan leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 53 years and love of his life, Beulah; his children, Eella (Franklin) Kemper of Kokomo, In., Allan Yokum, Jr. Of Cibolo, Tx., and Trudie Yokum of Lake Charles; and his sisters, Mary Virginia Brown of Crowley, La., and Eva Jean Minix of Rayne, La. He is also survived by two grandsons, Brian Ceasar and Adam Kemper, two grandchildren-in-love, Vanessa and Joshua Kemper, two great-grandchildren-in-love, Marlon and Zipporah Webb, his goddaughter Devona W. Archie, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Kevin W. Yokum, and his godson, Charles B. Brown.