Raymond "Shorty" Yocom

USAF Retired Chief Master Sergeant Raymond Lawrence Yocom

Raymond ‘Shorty’ Yocom, 80, of Merkel, Tx. Passed away on February 1, 2026, in Big Springs, Tx.

Raymond was born in Seagraves, Tx to Charles Curtis Yocom and Geneva Williams Yocom on October 28, 1945. He graduated from Seagraves High School in 1964 and married Martha ‘Jean’ Moore on August 25,1995 in Albany, Tx.

Raymond had an impressive and extensive military career in the U.S Air Force spanning 27 years from 1965 to 1992 and was awarded many honors in his career. In 1984 he was selected as the 463 rd Tactical Airlift Wings First Sergeant of the Year. In 1986 he completed the highest level of NCO Professional Military Education at the USAF Senior NCO Academy. In 1988 he earned his highest rank of Chief Master Sergeant. During his military career he was stationed all over the world including England, Thailand, Louisiana, Korea, Germany and Texas. While enlisted he earned a host of decorations and awards including:
 Meritorious Service Metal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
 Air Force Commendation Medal
 Air Force Achievement Medal
 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
 Air Force Good Conduct Metal with 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
 National Defense Service Metal with 1 Bronze Star
 Armed Forces Expeditionary Metal
 Vietnam Service Metal
 Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon
 Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon
 Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon
 NCO Professional Military Education Graduation Ribbon
 Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
 Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

In 1984 he joined the established Veterans of Foreign Wars in Abilene. A few years later he and four other veterans he was active duty with decided to form another VFW and filed for a new charter and began making plans and designing the new Post 6873. The building was erected across Arnold Boulevard from Dyess Air Force Base and was instituted in 1987 with a charter of 108 members. During its first year, the Post was awarded Honor Roll Post and All State Post Honors. Raymond was elected the first Post Commander upon receiving their charter and in the first year was selected to the All-State Team of Commanders. The Post was later renamed Martin D. Denson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6873 and has been an active thriving post for 39 years. Raymond was also an active member of the Cooties, the American Legion, a 32 nd Degree Mason and a Shriner.

Raymond retired in 1992 and went to work at the Abilene State School as the Maintenance Shop Supervisor for 6 years. He then enjoyed many hobbies including raising homing pigeons, setting up at the Buffalo Gap Flea Market and working with his hands in his shop tinkering with small engine repair, locksmith and wood working. One of his greatest joys was the Annual Yocom Family Reunion where he enjoyed gathering with his large family, catching up, horsing around and playing 42.

Lovingly known as Shorty by family and friends, Shorty was always up for a good time, always cutting up and kidding around. His nieces and nephews will tell you their Uncle Shorty was their favorite. He will be missed by his big loving family who have great memories to fill their broken hearts.

Raymond was proceeded in death by this parents Curtis & Geneva Yocom, brother Ray Yocom and wife Sue, brother Jerald Yocom and wife Pat, sister Jean McLamore and husband Mack, sister Margie Taylor and husband GW and brother-in-law Jim Gilbert.

Raymond survives by his wife Martha ‘Jean’ Yocom of Merkel, daughter Jeanna Glenn and husband John of Merkel, Stepson Travis ‘Clint’ Emerson and wife Bridget of George West, sister Martha Gilbert of Odessa. Grandchildren: Cody Creager of Merkel, Chelsey Adams and husband Josh of Tuscola, Travis Emerson Jr. of George West and Elizabeth Emerson and wife Laney of San Antonio. Great grandchildren: Layton and Jayton Adams of Tuscola and Grayson Creager.

Pallbearers will be John Glenn, Clint Emerson, Josh Adams, Curtis Yocom, Kip Woody and Dustin Stewart.

Visitation will be Sunday 2/8/26 from 5 to 7pm at Starbucks Funeral Home in Merkel, Tx. Funeral services will be Monday 2/9/26 at 10am at Starbucks Funeral Home with Francisco Cancel-Carlo, Dyess Air Force Base Chaplain and nephews Dane Clark and Harley Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Texas State Veteran Cemetery in Abilene at 1pm with full military honors. Services are under the direction of Starbucks Funeral Home.

The family of Raymond ‘Shorty’ Yocom wish to extend our sincere thanks to Lamun Lusk Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home in Big Spring, Tx for loving and taking such great care of our loved one.

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