Dave Yocum
David Fred Yocum
21 Feb 1945 - 18 Jun 1999
Clubs & Associations
Obituary
David Fred Yocum 54, art teacher and award-winning abstract sculptor
By Jacques Kelly
Sunstaff
David Fred Yocum, a Baltimore sculptor whose work critics called "outrageous" and "idiosyncratic," died Friday of an infection at St. Joseph Medical Center. He was 54 and lived in Otterbein.
Mr. Yocum, who took prizes for his abstract clay and neon works, was among the first to restore a $1 house in the southern Baltimore neighborhood in the 1970s.
"His work evolved from little clay pots to incredible sculptures," said the Rev. Dale W. Dusman, pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, where a memorial service was held yesterday.
In 1974, Mr. Yocum won the $200 ribbon for his sculptural work "Dripping Bag" at the Maryland Biennial, held at the Baltimore Museum of Art. For the next 25 years, he exhibited his works widely -- at Maryland Institute, College of Art, Baltimore Life Gallery, Firehouse Gallery in Washington and Philadelphia Art Alliance.
"He was a quiet man, and his forcefulness came out in his work," said friend Cecilia Chesno.
Born in Danville, Pa., Mr. Yocum was reared in Shamokin, Pa. He earned a bachelor's degree from Kutztown State University and a master's degree from Maryland Institute, College of Art. He moved to Baltimore in the late 1960s.
He taught art at West York High School for 29 years until his 1996 retirement. During his tenure, he was named department chairman.
Jack Knott, his companion of 28 years, died in 1997.
He is survived by his mother, Irene Yocum of Glassboro, N.J.; his brother, John Yocum of Langhorne, Pa. and a sister, Nancy Tregellas of Glassboro, N.J.[1]
David F. Yocum
Art teacher
OTTERBEIN - David Fred Yocum, 54, of Otterbein, died June 18 at St. Joseph Medical Center. He was the companion of Jack Knott, who died in 1997.
A graveside service was held June 21 in Parkwood Cemetery. The Ruck Towson Funeral Home Inc., 1050 York Road, Beltway Exit 26A, was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Yocum was born in Danville. He was the son of Irene Yocum of Glassboro, N.J.
He was an art teacher at West York High School, retiring in 1996 after 29 years of service.
Mr. Yocum is survived by a brother, John Yocum of Langhorne; a sister, Nancy Tregellas of Glassboro; and nieces and nephews.[2]
Memorial Panel
- 2UR | Chesapeake Squares
Photos
At Stars & Squares Forever, 1994
Obituary (The Baltimore Sun)
Obituary (York Daily Record)
