Plumsteadville Fire Company Mourns Passing Of Longtime Member

PLUMSTEAD TOWNSHIP, PA — The Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company is mourning the loss of one of its own following the passing of J. Earle Yerkes Jr. on Thursday.

Born in Buckingham, Yerkes joined the fire company in 1951 and has held multiple positions over the years, including deputy chief, assistant chief, president and secretary. He was the first of three generations of volunteer firefighters as his son, daughter and grandchildren followed in his footsteps to become members of the department. He lived in Pipersville since 1948, according to his obituary.

Described as a fixture at the firehouse on Stump Road, Yerkes regularly went to monthly business meeting meetings and rarely missed a fundraising event. He was also the former owner of his family farm, The Milk House, and a member of the Doylestown United Methodist Church.

Local residents are mourning his passing. As seen on Facebook:

• "Wonderful tribute to an amazing man! Earle will be missed by many! He truly was a Legend! Someone everyone looked up to! Rest In Peace Sir! Never will he be forgotten!"
• "To all the members and family I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you Chief for your long time service to the community. Rest easy my fellow brother and watch over all of us as we will take it from here."
• "Brings tears to my eyes. Earle was such a wonderful friend to my parents with connections way back to high school in Doylestown. Our family's have been friends forever. A giant among men. Sympathies to Arlene and all the family."

A viewing will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Doylestown United Methodist Church, followed by a service at 12 p.m. Internment will follow in Union Cemetery in Richboro. A livestream of the service can be viewed here.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company or Doylestown United Methodist Church will be accepted.