YOAKUM: William “Carl” Yaws, 94, passed away Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Yoakum Community Hospital. He was born July 3, 1932 in Cheapside to the late Carl and Mary Helen (McMeens) Yaws.
Carl was a lifetime resident of Yoakum, except for his time serving in the U.S. Army in France and Germany as an MP. He returned to his hometown of Yoakum and became the Yoakum Police Chief. He believed in community service and later served on the city council. He then spent the next 32 years as a railroad conductor with Southern Pacific Railroad. Carl was a lifetime member of Austin Street Baptist Church and served as a Deacon there. He was also a devoted lifetime member of the Yoakum Masonic Lodge. He was an adventurer and loved to travel, especially to his beloved Colorado. He has been blessed with 70 years of marriage to his sweetheart, Tessie (Karl) Yaws.
Survivors are: his wife, Tessie Yaws of Yoakum, daughters, Judy Sheleheda and Sharon Martinez, both of Yoakum; Three Grandchildren: Deric Sutherland (Stephanie) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Sarah Debord (Adrian) of Shiner, Jacob Sheleheda (McKenna) of Ft. Hood; Five Great-Grandchildren: Vivian Sutherland, Henry Sutherland, Devon Debord, Boston Barnett, Lila Thelen and Great-Great-Grandchild, Chloe Debord; sister, Connie Robinson (David); brothers, Ronnie Yaws (Martha) and Darrel Bock.
Proceeded in death by: his parents, son, David Yaws, Great-Great Grandchild, Aliyah Debord, brother, Wayne Yaws, sister, Darlene and brother-in-law, Alois Stary.
Pastor Dale Turner officiated over the funeral services and Carl was buried at Yoakum Oak Grove Cemetery.
Pallbearers are: Deric Sutherland, Jacob Sheleheda, Dennis Edwards, David Robinson, Roy Stary, and Pat Kacir.
Honorary pallbearers are Lance Benbow, Jesse Lopez, Darrel Bock, and all his SP Railroad buddies.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Austin Street Baptist Church (“Kid’s Camp”).
A special thank you to Mariah Davila and Chloe and Heaven for taking care of Carl and making his days brighter.