Paul Samuel Yagow (65) of rural Beecher City

Paul Samuel Yagow, 65 years old of rural Beecher City, Illinois, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend died late Thursday evening June 4, 2020 at his home in rural Beecher City near Wrights Corner surrounded by his family after a hard battle with cancer.

Family Funeral Burial Services were conducted at the Springhill Cemetery north of St. Elmo, near his home on Sunday afternoon June 7, 2020 by his pastor the Rev. Marcus Manley from the Bethlehem Lutheran Church officiating.

Paul was born on April 5, 1955 in the Mark Greer Hospital, Vandalia, raised on the family farm, one of four siblings into the Christian family of Samuel Paul Jr. and Dorothy “Dottie” Gruhn Yagow. Paul was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, rural Altamont. He was baptized on May 1, 1955, confirmed his faith on June 1, 1969, and attended Bethlehem Lutheran Elementary School. He graduated with the class of 1973 from St. Elmo High School. Paul was very athletic and participated in baseball, football, basketball, and track. He attended Illinois College where he played football and was a member of the Gamma Nu Fraternity. Paul married his high school sweetheart, Donna Jean “Jeanie” Drees on April 12, 1975 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Paul was a carpenter, builder, and farmer. Paul was very active, especially for his love of 12” fast pitch softball as a member of the Altamont Schuetzenfest team which became the Blue Mound Softball Team where he played numerous positions, primarily as a catcher. He even taught himself to throw left-handed after a nagging right elbow injury. Paul was especially proud of being an IHSA football official for 28 years and had the honor and recognition with his crew to officiate the IHSA high school finals. Paul’s most favorite thing to do was be with his wife and family. His three children, their spouses and seven grandchildren were the light of his life. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish, drive the side by side, skip rocks, play ball and so much more while instilling good work ethic and respect for the world. For those who prefer Memorials they may be directed to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, The Whoo Hoo Sisterhood (The Jolene Arend Giving Fund) and or the Donor’s Choice.

In His passing Paul leaves behind his: Wife of 45 years Donna Jean “Jeanie” (Drees) Yagow of Beecher City, Illinois; 2-Sons: Scott Samuel Yagow of St. Louis, Missouri; Bryan Paul (wife, Stephanie) Yagow of Barrington, Illinois and their two children, Isabella and Joseph; Daughter: Brandi Jean (husband, Curtis) Harmon of Pace, Florida and their five children: Jaylene, Anya, Evelyn, Michael, and Samuel; 3-Sisters: Karen (husband, Mel) Stuemke of St. Elmo, Illinois; Debra (husband, Steve) Worland of New Albany, Indiana; Robin (husband, Rob) Klima of Manchester, Iowa; Brother-in-laws: Gary Flora (wife, Janet); Dan Drees (wife, Jackie); Sister-in-law: Connie Baker; Aunt and Uncle: Gene and Evadine Goers; Several Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.

He was preceded in death by his Father: Samuel Paul Henry Yagow Jr. and Mother: Dorothy “Dottie” Erna Yagow; Father-in-law: Bernard Emory Drees and Mother-in-law: Betty Mae Drees.

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