Sidney W. Yawn

Sidney W. Yawn, Venice, formerly of Quincy, Florida passed away November 14. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Shirley; his daughters, Martha Heath (Tim) of Nokomis, Molly Smith (Ralph) Mesa, AZ, and a son Sidney M. Yawn (Millie) of North Port. Also 2 brothers, Kaye (Frankie) of Brunswick, GA, Gene (Tadpole) of Eastman, GA plus 4 Grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was very fond of his In-Laws, especially M.E. Howell (Harry), who he considered one of his ‘chillen.’ He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Russell and Jack. Sidney was born in Odum, Georgia to Sidney Franklin Yawn and Charlie Ethel Ross Yawn. He volunteered to be drafted on his eighteenth birthday, serving his tour on the Island of Saipan, where he was the base Electrician. He also ran his first barber shop on the base where he was only allowed to charge 25 cents. When he was discharged, he attended Barber College in Jacksonville, Florida on the GI bill. On completing his training, he moved to Quincy, Florida to work for McMillan’s Barber Shop along with a friend he made in Barber College, Jack Poppell of Quincy who encouraged him to move there. He became a life long friend of the McMillan’s and lived in their home until his marriage to Shirley Smith in 1955. The Yawn family moved to Venice in 1971 along with brother-in-law, Wilmer Smith and his family. They became partners with Dick Partridge in the Partridge Barber Shop and moved the shop from Nokomis to the former Kash and Karry shopping plaza. The Plaza is now home to SweetBay grocery store. Later Sidney bought out his partners in the Barber Shop. He partnered with Bill and Thelma Freeman, who he had known from Quincy, in 2 Coin Laundries and they put machines in many of the Condominiums and Mobile Home Parks. He again bought out his partners and ran the two business along with his family. After some health problems he sold the laundry business and eventually sold the Barber Shop to his daughter, Martha and Dick’s daughter, Jenny. He continued to work for them until he retired in 2005. Sidney was a member of South Venice Baptist Church, which he had joined in 1971, shortly after moving here. He was a member of the American Legion for 60 years. He was a Life Member of Elks Lodge 1854 in Venice. He never wanted to be Exalted Ruler but he served for many years in most of the other stations. One of his fondest memories was ‘bringing in 100 new members’ in one year as Membership chairman. He joined the Does in support of his wife and the other Doe members. Sidney was an avid supported of the Does, who are the wives, daughters, mothers and sisters of the Elk members. In the year 2000, Sidney traveled with his wife on her journeys as National President of the B.P.O. Does organization and served as National Bullshipper President. The ‘Bullshippers’ are made up of Elks and guests whose wives are Does and attend the National Conventions. Sidney loved his family and was a good friend to many people. He will be greatly missed.