March 27, 1939-June 14, 2009

Richard, a resident of Antioch for more than 40 years, passed away last month with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Lincoln, Neb. and lived all over Texas, Oklahoma and in Littleton, Colo., where he met his wife of 51 years, Jan Yakel. He and Jan had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year. Dick was a member of the Local 8 Brick Layers Union in Oakland, and helped build the Moscone Center in San Francisco and Marine World in Vallejo. He also helped rebuild downtown Walnut Creek and Concord in brick. He also volunteered to build the Babe Ruth and Little League dugouts and snack shacks in Antioch. We can see his beautiful work in every city in the Bay Area.

Dick and Jan participated in bowling leagues for several years at Delta Bowl. One of his favorite activities was loading up the motor home and visiting Disneyland with the grandkids, or camping at Phoenix Lake. He and Jan joined the Fun Runners car club after building his 1932 Ford Roadster. They went on several Rod Runs.

Dick enjoyed all types of music, from Cajun to Creedence. He would always sing, and tell wonderful stories about his past. Taking Jan to see Elvis was one of his favorite trips. A Giants fan, he called his neighbor Josie Sexton almost every day to make sure she had her TV on.

Dick is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jan Yakel; daughter and son-in-law, Richan and GT Lyons; granddaughters, Kristen(Richie) and Maren (Freddy); grandson, Adrian Lyons; great grandsons, Victor, Takeo, Orlando and Sebastian; great granddaughter, Katalina; son, Rick Yakel ; daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Kirk Adams; granddaughters, Kayla and Kendall; grandson, Kristofer; brother, Dave Yakel (Karen); and sister, Sue Enes (Jerry).

Services were held on Saturday, June 27, followed by an open house celebrating Dick’s life.