Obituary of Bruce Allen Yoas

Bruce Allen Yoas was born on December 3, 1949, in Monroe, Michigan.   He was the cherished youngest child among eleven siblings, born to the union of Russel Godfrey Yoas and the former Eva Marie (Shippee) Yoas. Bruce graduated from Airport High School in 1968 and then proudly enlisted in the Army National Guard serving from 1969 to 1979. 

As a loyal employee, Bruce wore many different hats throughout his forty years of service to C. Barron and Sons in Monroe.   He was best known for his willingness to help, regardless of the issue.   Bruce gave back to his community as a volunteer firefighter of Berlin Township Fire Department from 1974 until 1994.   He remained a member of the Newport Volunteer Firefighters Association until his passing.

Bruce loved to play euchre with family and friends. He and his sisters enjoyed spending time together and took several casino trips around the region. He enjoyed the outdoors and took pride in maintaining his lawn. He cherished the family time he spent at his Meauwataka Lake cabin near Cadillac, Michigan.

Bruce was a lifelong member of Newport Community Church.   He served the congregation faithfully as an Elder, Trustee, Sunday School Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer. Faith and family were first in his life, and Bruce being a kindhearted man, never had a cross word for anyone.

Bruce Allen Yoas, age 73, of Newport passed away peacefully on February 17, 2023.  His passing was preceded by his parents: Russel and Eva Marie Yoas; seven brothers: Charles, Lloyd, Glenn, Waynn, Lynn, Lowell, and Ronald; three sisters-in-law:  Martha, Margaret, and Alice; and two brothers-in-law: Milton LaVigne and Barton Cook.

To cherish his memory, he leaves three sisters: Lorraine LaVigne, Colleen Cook, and Margaret (John) Kuzych, four sisters-in-law: Alice, Arlene, Nancy, and Shirley Yoas; and a host of nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and great-great nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 7:00pm on Tuesday; February 21, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.  A Celebration of His Life will take place at 7:00pm also at Merkle’s, with Pastor Camden Dowler officiating. On Wednesday; February 22, 2023, at 11:00am, family and friends will meet at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe for a procession to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Newport Community Church or Newport Firefighters Association.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.