Robin "Rob" Yohe, 61, of Beaumont, beloved father of Christopher, 22, and Colin, 19, Yohe died November 10 on the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday. He was a retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant who served proudly in his Corps for 26 years. He was born in Toledo, Ohio May 18, 1947 to Norman and Eleanor Yohe.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 17 and was a highly decorated Vietnam Veteran; receiving a Purple Heart, the Navy Commendation Medal, three Navy Achievement Medals, and numerous other awards. During his active duty service he became well known throughout the Fleet as a Public Affairs Broadcaster on both radio and television. He was admired by all who served with him and became an "adoptive Dad" to many of his junior Marines. His self proclaimed finest accomplishment in life was the birth of his two sons. He was a strong, no nonsense Marine whose heart would melt from the simple smile from one of his boys. They each had a special relationship with their father and he was "Buddy" to Christopher and "Pops" to Colin. Rob's other love was animals. At each new duty station area strays treated the Yohe family's arrival as a free meal ticket and a nice place to bed down. Eventually two lucky dogs, Buddy and Bitty, became his constant companions and both will miss his excessive treat hand outs and rides in his Dodge Durango. His sons will remember their father and his love of the beach at sunrise, his car, "Blue" and all classic automobiles along with the music of the Beach Boys and Elvis that he loved so dearly. He was also an avid historian and reader of the World War II era. And education was important to him. Although he received a GED in his youth, at the age of 40 he returned to school during active duty and later during retirement and received an Associates Degree in History and another Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. He graduated from Lamar University's Police Academy after retirement and relocation to Beaumont. He served for years with the Sheriff's Department as a deputy and later joined the law firm of Michael Lindsay where he worked as an administrative assistant. He came to value Michael's friendship as a special joy in his life.
His sons, their mother Cindy Lindsay and her husband Michael wish to share their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Promise Hospital of Southeast Texas in Mid County for their kindness and loving care and support during Rob's illness. And to former USMC Sergeant Sandy Wilson and all of the Marines across the globe who sent stories and words of encouragement to the boys Christopher and Colin would like to say, "Thank you for sharing memories of our father and Semper Fi."
A celebration of Master Gun's life will be held for family and friends at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, November 13, 2008 at Broussard's, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont.
The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lamar University Foundation, c/o Robin Yohe Veteran’s Appreciation Scholarship, P. O. Box 11500, Beaumont, TX 77710, that was named in his honor for his years of service to our country.
