Neil D. Yake passed away January 12, 2011 in Newcastle, Australia due to complications from pneumonia. He was traveling in the country with Peabody Energy in his position of Director of Engineering for Surface Operations.
Neil was born in Bluffton, Indiana on March 23, 1954 to Robert and Erma (Skomp) Yake. He was a 1972 graduate of Central High School, and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in December of 1976. He began his career with Peabody Coal immediately thereafter and served in various positions for 34 years.
Neil married his wife Sue on August 16, 1975. They were blessed with the births of their children, Jessica Autumn and Justin Neil. He was "Pop" to four grandchildren who brought joy and pleasure to his life: Abraham Neil Holtsclaw, Boone Abe Holtsclaw, Joseph Neil Yake and Wyatt Nicholas Yake. Making his family complete were his son-in-law Jarrod Holtsclaw and daughter-in-law Melissa (Ortman) Yake.
He is also survived by his mother, Erma Hensley, mother-in-law Lucille Strange, and siblings Robert Yake, Phyllis (Jerry) Brown, John (Brenda) Strange and Doug (Kim) Strange.
A celebration of life will be held at Tulip Church of God in Bloomfield, Indiana on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorials be sent to the First Baptist Church Food Pantry, 500 Lincoln Drive, Bloomfield, Indiana 47424.