Obituary for George D. Yeatman
George Donald Yeatman, aged 85, passed away at home on September 2, 2021. He left this world surrounded by family and classical music.
George was born in Baltimore, Maryland to George Dashiell and Evelyn Cleo Yeatman. He studied music at the West Chester State Teachers College and the Peabody Conservatory (now part of Johns Hopkins University). Afterward he toured the world with the US Air Force Band and their Singing Sergeants, even appearing with them on the Ed Sullivan Show. He married Martha Collins in 1958. After his discharge, he joined the executive training program at the May Company department stores in Washington D.C. In 1967 the family moved to Kalamazoo where George worked for Irving Gilmore at the Gilmore Brothers store and warehouse and played woodwinds in the pit band at the Barn Theater in Augusta. 1972 brought a move to Saginaw to manage the Wiechman’s Department Store. In 1980, George and Martha were ready to open their own business and they chose to do so in Battle Creek. For twenty years, their Battle Creek Piano Company sold instruments and sheet music to our community. Over 2000 students studied music there. George was a performing member of the Battle Creek Morning Musical Club and enjoyed singing at First Congregational Church under Music Director Albert Bolitho.
His gentle, warm, and cheerful personality will always be remembered.
George is survived by his devoted wife, Martha; his beloved sister, Mary Eleanor Lusk; his loving daughter, Rebecca (Kurt Hanish); two grandchildren; four nieces and a nephew. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother, Daniel Dexter.
The family is grateful for the support and compassion of family friends Joan and Bob Wentworth and the staff of Grace Hospice, especially Christy, Kevin, Sara, Lynn, Samantha, and Alexis.
A celebration of his life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to the Battle Creek Community Foundation - Battle Creek Morning Musical Club Youth Division Fund or to a charity of your choice.
George was born in Baltimore, Maryland to George Dashiell and Evelyn Cleo Yeatman. He studied music at the West Chester State Teachers College and the Peabody Conservatory (now part of Johns Hopkins University). Afterward he toured the world with the US Air Force Band and their Singing Sergeants, even appearing with them on the Ed Sullivan Show. He married Martha Collins in 1958. After his discharge, he joined the executive training program at the May Company department stores in Washington D.C. In 1967 the family moved to Kalamazoo where George worked for Irving Gilmore at the Gilmore Brothers store and warehouse and played woodwinds in the pit band at the Barn Theater in Augusta. 1972 brought a move to Saginaw to manage the Wiechman’s Department Store. In 1980, George and Martha were ready to open their own business and they chose to do so in Battle Creek. For twenty years, their Battle Creek Piano Company sold instruments and sheet music to our community. Over 2000 students studied music there. George was a performing member of the Battle Creek Morning Musical Club and enjoyed singing at First Congregational Church under Music Director Albert Bolitho.
His gentle, warm, and cheerful personality will always be remembered.
George is survived by his devoted wife, Martha; his beloved sister, Mary Eleanor Lusk; his loving daughter, Rebecca (Kurt Hanish); two grandchildren; four nieces and a nephew. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother, Daniel Dexter.
The family is grateful for the support and compassion of family friends Joan and Bob Wentworth and the staff of Grace Hospice, especially Christy, Kevin, Sara, Lynn, Samantha, and Alexis.
A celebration of his life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to the Battle Creek Community Foundation - Battle Creek Morning Musical Club Youth Division Fund or to a charity of your choice.