Luke Yonkee

Luke J. Yonkee, age 22, of Erie, MI, passed away January 3, 2008 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo. Luke came into the world crying as his family rejoiced, now we are crying as Luke rejoices. Luke was born October 28, 1985 in Toledo, OH, the son of Robert R. and Jeannie E. (Massingill) Yonkee. Luke was a 2004 graduate of Mason High School where he was a member of the swim team. Luke served his country as a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps from August 31, 2004 until his medical retirement on September 30, 2006. While in the Marine Corps Luke was a member of N.C.I.S. Luke had applied for the U.S. Marine Corps Band before his diagnosis with cancer. Luke was a member of the Stewart Road Christian Ministries Center, where he played in the youth band and enjoyed singing. Luke enjoyed outdoor activities such as four wheeling, jet skiing, and hunting. Luke is survived by his beloved parents Robert R. and Jeannie E. Yonkee of Erie, MI, his loving sister Nicole J. Yonkee of Erie, MI his grandfather James Yonkee of Temperance, MI and his grandparents Warren and Jean Massingill of Erie, MI. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Jean Yonkee. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5-9 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home. He will lie in state on Saturday, January 5, 2007 at Stewart Road Christian Ministries Center from 11:00 AM until funeral services celebrating his life at 1:00 PM. The Rev. Sam Luke, Senior Pastor of the Church, the Rev. Sally Martin, Luke’s aunt, and The Rev. Jeff Lambert will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, where the U.S. Marine Color Corps will conduct military services. Memorial contributions may be made to Stewart Road Christian Ministries Center Music Department. The Family wishes to thank; Hospice of Northwest Ohio for the wonderful care they provided, John Crayne, for not only being the family doctor but a good friend, Stewart Road Christian Ministries Center for all their love and support. The family also wishes to thank their employers; Promedica Health Center (The Toledo Hospital and Bay Park Hospital) for allowing a mother to care for her son, and to Chrysler Jeep and the UAW for allowing a father to miss work to help with the care of his son.