Gary W. Yocum

Gary W. Yocum, 74, of Lancaster, passed away on January 4, 2026 surrounded by his adoring family. He was the loving husband of Karen C. (Muckel) Yocum to whom he was married for 42 years. Born in Lewistown, PA he was the son of the late Willard S. and Edith (Civitts) Yocum. He is the last of his immediate family.

A received his B.S. and M.eD from Millersville University and completed supervisory principal and superintendent certifications from Temple University. He was employed at Manheim Township School District for 30 years where he served as teacher, english department chair, assistant principal and director of assessment. He also worked for Fred F. Groff Funeral Home for over 30 years and was adjunct professor at Cabrini college.

In his later years he was employed by the Lancaster County Courthouse.

Gary was a member of the National Association of ElementarySecondary School Principals (NAESSP) and the NationalCouncil of Teachers of English (NCTE).

In his spare time, he enjoyed, reading, listening to music, playing with his pet dogs and most of all spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Karen, he is survived by a daughter, Della A. Serrano and grandchildren, Gianna Murray and Layton Duncan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Judy E. Woolley.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 141 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602 on Friday January 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM. A viewing will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to The Humane League of Lancaster County, 2195 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602, or to Amedisys Hospice Care, 480 New Holland Ave Suite 6201, Lancaster, PA 17602. To leave an online condolence, please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com