Thomas L. Yankus, Sr.
August 5, 1923 – May 29, 2022
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and World War II veteran Thomas L. Yankus, Sr., on May 29, 2022, in Tallahassee, Florida, at the amazing age of 98.
“Tom was born in Queens, New York, on August 5, 1923, to the late William A. Yankus and Margaret Skroblus Yankus. He is predeceased by one brother, William Yankus. Tom attended Andrew Jackson High School in Laurelton, NY, and worked for Sperry Gyroscope prior to enlisting in the US Army Air Corps.
“Tom proudly joined the Air Corps in December 1942 at the age of 19 to serve his country during WW II. He was assigned to the Eighth Air Force's 95th Bomb Group, 335th Bomb Squadron, as a B-17 Flying Fortress radio operator. His plane was shot down on the crew's third mission on March 4, 1944, on its return from the first daylight raid over Berlin, Germany. The plane crashed after all crew parachuted out in occupied France. Once on the ground, Tom was able to evade capture and joined forces with the ‘French Underground’, where he was able to move civilians and soldiers alike through occupied territory to safety. Tom and other evaders hid and lived in a secret camp in the Freteval Forest, France. They were liberated in August 1944.
“Upon his arrival back in the States, he was awarded many medals for heroism including the Purple Heart, European Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. In 2014, Tom was awarded the French Legion of Honor medal for his bravery. This is the highest award for military and civilian merits awarded for service to France. He was a proud member of the 95th Bomb Group and of the Air Force Escape and Evasion Society (AFEES).
“After the war, Tom married his high school sweetheart Eileen Murray in New York on April 21, 1945. Eileen wore a wedding dress that was sewn with a piece of the very same parachute that saved Tom's life.
“During their lives together, he and Eileen were involved in several business ventures. They began by owning a paint and decorating store on Long Island, New York. Their next adventure led them to be the builders, owners and operators of Fairview Acres, a motel in the Adirondacks Mountains. They moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1956 in search of a milder climate. There, Tom owned a residential home building business. In the 1960s, Tom went to work for Eveland Brothers General Contractors and ended his career with Rowe and Newberry General Contractors, where he built many commercial buildings that still grace St. Petersburg. After retirement, Tom and Eileen moved to Palm Bay, Florida. Eileen sadly passed in February 1996.
“In 1999, Tom met Vivian Harris, who became his companion for the next 21 years. During this time, Tom was able to return to France where he and Vivian were greeted by many of the people he had worked with while Tom was with the French Underground. Vivian passed in February 2022.
“Survivors include his son Thomas L. Yankus, Jr. (Annie), daughter Jane Yankus Collins (Steven) and daughter-in-law Kathleen Aerts. Grandchildren include Jennifer Yankus Bonnell (Brad), Shelley Yankus Colston (Jon), Sara Yankus Lovell (Wood), Jon Yankus, Tanya Collins de Leon (Abe), and Lindsay Collins Whelan (Mike). Tom is also survived by nine great-grandchildren.
“A memorial service will be held on June 16th at Bevis Funeral Home in Tallahassee, Florida, with interment to follow on June 17th at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. Todd Wahlquist with Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.
“In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's memory to Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice, 8060 Spyglass Hill Road, Melbourne, FL 32940.
“Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Tom - We will never forget you. You are and will always be our hero.”