Forest Jerome Yocum

Forest Jerome Yocum, known to his friends and family as Jerry, passed away on March 20, 2026, at the age of 92. Jerry was born in Louisville, KY on September 22, 1933, to Ruth Owen Yocum and Forest J. Yocum. He spent his childhood in Louisville with his sister Martha and developed a lifelong love for baseball and airplanes.

Jerry graduated from Manual High School in Louisville in 1951, and then attended the University of Kentucky, studying Civil Engineering. He graduated in 1955 and put his passion for engineering to work right away by joining The Martin Company, helping to design airplane wings. From this launching point, Jerry joined General Electric Aerospace Group where he eventually became Chief Engineer of Re-Entry Systems. He had a long, successful career designing and building many advanced technological systems and devices still in use, and in space, to this day. Some are on display at various museums, including the Smithsonian.

While at General Electric Jerry met Joey Haubner, and the two married in June of 1967. They resided happily in Newtown Square, PA and Harvey Cedars, NJ for over 60 years. They enjoyed travelling together, visiting almost every state capital. Jerry loved his hobby of woodworking, building furniture and toys for his family, as well as cheering on the UK Cats. He had a passion for big band music, Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller were a constant soundtrack in his daily life.

Jerry is survived by his wife Joey Yocum, his daughters Barbara Yocum Slayton (Jeff), Carole Yocum Williams (Dave), and his son John Yocum (Beth), his four grandchildren Melanie Slayton Rodden (Danny), Michael Slayton (Elizabeth), Amanda Yocum, and Samantha Yocum. And is also survived by his niece Beth Lytle Holthusen (Greg), and his nephews Ted Lytle (Amy) and Nathan Lytle (Lin). He was preceded in death by his sister Martha Yocum Lytle and her husband, Norman Lytle.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jerry’s Memorial Service on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 10:30 am at Wayne Presbyterian Church. 125 East Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087. Interment private.