Yeomans, Walter (1888-1967)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

WALTER YEOMANS: born under the shadow of Lichfield Cathedral in 1888 of Primitive Methodist parents. In his early teens he gave himself to his Lord and Master and outstanding merit as a Sunday school teacher and local preacher was soon evident. In 1911 he entered Hartley College. He travelled in the following circuits : Plymouth, Hastings, Cheadle, Jersey, Midsomer Norton, Exmouth, High Wycombe, Bournemouth, Frome and Callington—retiring to Exmouth in 1954. 

A man of many gifts and graces his chief joy was to preach the Gospel. Philosopher and poet, lover of men and of life, he read widely, and, keeping abreast of modern thought, interpreted it to his people. The pulpit was his throne. Of a retiring disposition he nevertheless was fearless in his proclamation of eternal truth. In the homes of his flock he was true shepherd, sharing in joys and sorrows, ever encouraging those in need and giving himself as trusty friend and counsellor. The gentleness, kindness and transparent integrity of this man of God were magnetic qualities. His winning way with young people arose from his understanding of the child mind, and he knew how to awaken them to the wonder and glory of the grace of God and of his world. Methodical in all his ways he was a good administrator and a man of sound judgement. 

As a keen gardener he delighted in everything lovely. It is no cause for surprise that in several circuits he served extended terms; loved by him his people loved him in return and were loath to let him go from their midst. In retirement he continued to preach and took a lively interest in the life of the town and served for some years as officiating chaplain to the Marine Camp bordering Exmouth. In the last months his health rapidly failed, but he bore weakness with uncomplaining courage and remained serene and gracious to the end. 

He died on 12 May 1967, in the seventy-ninth year of his age and the fifty-third of his ministry.

Family

Walter was born on 16 July 1888 at Walsall Wood, Staffordshire, to parents Walter Yeomans, a bricklayer (1901), and Lavinia Blakemore.

He married Winifred Deacon Martin (1895-1994) in the summer of 1918 in the Devonport Registration District, Devon.

Walter died on 12 May 1967 in the Devon Central Registration District, Devon.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1914 Plymouth
• 1916 Hastings
• 1918 Cheadle
• 1920 Jersey
• 1926 Midsomer Norton
• 1930 Exmouth
• 1938 High Wycombe
• 1944 Bournemouth
• 1948 Frome &c
• 1951 Callington
• 1954 Exmouth (Sup)

References

Methodist Minutes 1967/202

W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers