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You could often hear him making a joyful noise singing hymns, praise and worship songs.

Corky was born July 31, 1931, in Theresa, NY, son of the late Roy and Edna (Johnson) Yelle. He is survived by his children, Bonnie Fitzgerald (Jeffery) of Cicero, David (Cheryl) of Rochester, Dale (Connie) of Easton, MD, Steven of Clayton, NY, and Rebecca MonDore (Irving) from Clay, NY, a sister, Doris McAdam of Brownville, along with 17 Grandchildren, 25 Great Grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Yelle attended Brownville Glen Park H.S. graduating from Watertown High School in 1949. He was employed by Robbins Glass and Paint from 1949-1952. He married Carolyn Beard of Dexter in February 1951 at Dexter Presbyterian Church. He then entered the US Army and served from April 1952-April 1955. After returning from the Army, he became employed by PPG Ind from 1955-1977, at which time he became part owner of Paragon Plate Glass, retiring in 1993. Corky also served in the Army Reserves and retired as 1st Sgt in 1976.

Corky’s favorite past time activities included; Roller Skating, Dancing, and MUSIC. He loved music. You could often hear him making a joyful noise singing hymns, praise and worship songs at North Central Assembly of God in North Syracuse, Smithville Baptist Church, Adams Center Baptist Church or Believers Chapel in Cicero. He became a born-again-Christian in 1971, which he would tell you was the most important decision of his life. He and his wife, Carolyn served in ministry at various community activities including; Prison Ministry to Watertown Correctional Facility Inmates, where they taught marriage classes under the direction of Pastor Robert Durham, The Samaritan Keep and Elderwood of Liverpool (nursing homes) where they ministered to the elderly on a weekly basis, served on the Board of Child Evangelism Fellowship in NNY, drove Veterans through the DAV program in Syracuse, and ministered in churches throughout Syracuse and Watertown.

Mr. Yelle later married Louise Kelley (Burt) of Adams Center where they lived for a few years before Mr. Yelle’s health declined.

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He became a born-again-Christian in 1971, which he would tell you was the most important decision of his life.

He is pre-deceased by his wife of 60 years-Carolyn, several brothers and sisters; Robert, Elizabeth, Marilyn, Joyce and Gary, a son-in-law, Carl Ryfun and several nieces and nephews.

Corky’s most cherished Bible Verse was I Corinthian 13: 1-13 with the last being his favorite: “Now these three things will last forever - faith, hope, and love – but the greatest of these is Love.”

In Lieu of Flowers, please consider making donations in Corky’s name to Child Evangelism Fellowship at: www.CEFempireState.org – you can mail or give online. 

We would love you to join us for a Celebration of Life on: Sunday, July 26th at 2:00 p.m. at the New Life Church in Watertown, NY.