Charles Yocum

Charles J. (C.J.) Yocum, 76, of Rochester, Indiana, passed away on Friday, July 3rd, 2026.

A Celebration of Life for C.J. will be held from 10:00 am until noon on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, at Rans Funeral Home in Kewanna, Indiana. All are welcome to visit with C.J.’s family beginning at 10:00 am at the funeral home.

C.J. was born on October 15, 1949, in Mercer County, Kentucky to Charles and Bessie (Lunsford) Yocum. As a child, he lived on a farm and helped his neighbors milk cows to earn extra money. In high school, he was a football player and he also ran track. He graduated from Mercer County HS in 1967 and always enjoyed his class reunions.

While stationed at Grissom AFB after serving in Vietnam, C.J. met his future wife Janet Evers on a blind date and they were married on August 26, 1973 while they were students at Ball State University.

During the couple’s 52 years together they raised two loving and successful children, Andrea (Peter Konshak) and Jason (Melissa) Yocum. He was also Granddaddy to two wonderful grandchildren, Madeline and Harrison Yocum, who he loved greatly. C.J. was a great role model and father who taught his children to be hard workers, to help others less fortunate and to be adventurous, curious and brave.

C.J. was a proud military veteran of the USAF, retiring after 25 years of service in both active duty as well as the reserves, including service ranging from Vietnam to Operation Enduring Freedom. Military service abroad ignited C.J.’s lifelong interest in world travel. He visited 51 countries during his life, with extended month-long trips to West Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America being highlights of his retirement.

C.J. was a teacher and coach for life, spending nearly 30 years in Special Education classrooms in MSD of Wabash County. During that time he took his students on countless field trips to experience water parks, professional sports games and many other exciting activities. Several of his students remained in touch with him as adults. During his career he was also a junior high football coach for 17 years, golf coach and Ski Club sponsor. He retired from teaching in 2005.

Sports of all kinds were C.J.’s life-long passion, including his favorites: golf, football, basketball, snow skiing, scuba diving, tennis and swimming. C.J. and his son Jason loved playing sports together, talking about the Colts and IU as well as attending his grandson Harrison’s basketball games. C.J. taught many people how to play golf and how to swim. He shot several holes in one and he also learned how to fly a powered parachute. Another passion was camping at Lukens Lake Campground, where he spent summer days for nearly 40 years.

C.J. enjoyed spending time at events with both the Yocum and the Evers extended families. He never met a stranger and could talk to anyone, telling the best stories. He loved his wife Janet’s cooking and always requested her famous meatloaf or biscuits and gravy. He also loved pork tenderloins, shrimp and chili dogs. C.J. loved country music, especially George Strait. He also enjoyed playing cards and visiting Las Vegas.

C.J. was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings in Kentucky, as well as his beloved in-laws, Leonard and Nancy Evers and brother-in-law Rick Evers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Outlet Youth Center, Rochester or Special Olympics through Manitou Training Center, Rochester, IN.

The Yocum family wishes to thank the staff at LifeCare Center for their compassionate care of C.J. during his recent stay.

“I was a young troubadour when I rode in on a song

And I'll be an old troubadour when I'm gone”

-George Strait “Troubadour”