Fred Glenn Yorke

March 24, 1936 - December 29, 2021

CASTLEWOOD, VIRGINIA – Fred Glenn Yorke, 85, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, in Bristol, Tennessee. Fred was born March 24, 1936, in Bartley, West Virginia to the late William V. Yorke Sr. and Millie D. Yorke. He was preceded in death by his beloved son-in-law, Michael Lynn Couch; two brothers, Jim Yorke and Joe Yorke and wife, Gladys; two sisters, Norma Wiseman and Patricia Yercheck and husband, Walt; and two sisters-in-law, Margaret Ann Yorke and Deborah Yorke. He was a 1954 graduate of Big Creek High School in War, West Virginia where he loved playing football. Fred completed courses in college and worked on his own to earn multiple professional certifications. Fred served in the Marine Corp Reserves before serving in the United States Army from 1959-1963 in the Korean Conflict. Fred spent many years working in the coal, oil, and gas industries. He worked for Island Creek Coal Company, Pittston Coal Company, and Clinchfield Coal Company. He was very instrumental in getting natural gas brought to Russell and Wise counties. He also worked for Fola Coal Company as a landman for many years. Fred was a member of First Baptist Church in St. Paul, Virginia for over fifty-five years, where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, and Deacon. He loved to read and was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved his cats, but most of all he loved spending time with his family and precious grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of sixty-two years, Yvonne; two daughters, Kim Couch of Abingdon, Virginia and Paula Banner and husband, Chuck of Castlewood, Virginia; two granddaughters, Jordan Summers and husband, Eric of Castlewood, Virginia and Taylor Banner of Charlotte, North Carolina; two brothers, William V. Yorke, Jr. of Ohio and John Yorke of Wise, Virginia; three sisters, Audrey Higgins and husband, Don of Indiana, Anita Thacker and husband, Terry of Blacksburg, Virginia, and Karen Jordan and husband, Mike of Wise, Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Yorke and Deanna Boykin and husband, Eddy of Telford, Tennessee; and a host of nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life Services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, Virginia with Rev. Mike Moore and Rev. Andy Wood officiating. Due to COVID-19, the family requests those attending the Visitation and Services to wear a mask and practice social distancing. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Castlewood Funeral Home, Castlewood, Virginia. Online condolences may be sent to the Yorke family through our website and a video tribute may be viewed at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. The funeral service will be available for viewing on our website following the service. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.