June 17, 1943 – March 13, 2020
Louis Allen “Al” Yankey, 76, Atlanta, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday evening, March 13, 2020, at Riverview Health in Noblesville. Born June 17, 1943 in Louisville, Ky., he was the son of the late James and Genniel (Webb) Yankey.
Al earned his Bachelor of Business and his Masters of Education from Redland University in California and proudly served his country with the United States Air Force.
There are certain people in this world who have a deep connection to their community and those who live there. These people help when it is needed and take pride in knowing their actions may have made a difference in someone’s life. Al was one of those people. He was a Sergeant with the Los Angeles Police Department, retiring after 25 years of dedicated service. During those years he saw quite a bit, which made for some great memories and even better stories. Two of his more high-profile assignments were working the 1984 Olympic Games, and his very last assignment, providing security for the O.J. Simpson trial. After retiring from the L.A.P.D. he worked as a private investigator. His love of politics eventually led him to serve his community as a Chino City Councilman for eight years. He was also a Chino High School Sports Booster for many years.
While the kids were growing up, 4-H and FFA were true family affairs. He was always heavily involved in whatever projects were going on at the time. Al, also known to his friends and neighbors as the mule man, or simply cowboy, was fortunate to have some land where he could raise his chickens and mules. Knowing that not everybody involved in the activity was as fortunate, he always made sure there was enough room at his farm for other 4-H’ers’ show animals to stay. Al had a love and appreciation for horses as well.
Al enjoyed traveling and never missed an opportunity to go on one of his legendary fishing trips with his buddies. He also never missed a chance to go see his grandkids. He eventually made the move to Indiana to be closer to them, and they were glad when Ye-Ye became a Hoosier. Not long after his move, he started taking classes in American Sign Language and later became involved with the Deaf School as both a volunteer and as an interpreter. Al loved the opportunity to continue serving people and was grateful that he was able to better communicate with close friends.
Al is survived by his son, Jeff Yankey (Lisa), Noblesville; daughter, Tracy Master (Michael), Auburn, Calif.; three grandchildren, Ronan, Fiona and Annika Yankey, all of Noblesville; and two brothers, Melvin Yankey, Lebanon Junction, Ky., and William Yankey, Tallassee, Ala.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and by the love of his life, Connie Lee (Crowson) Yankey, on April 16, 2009. She and Al were married on her birthday, October 9, 1966.
A gathering of family and friends is being planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sheridan Youth Assistance Program, 24185 Hinesley Road, Sheridan, IN 46069
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kercheval Funeral Home in Sheridan.