Larry Lynn Yelton, aged 87, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Born on November 15, 1938, in Erlanger, Kentucky, he was the cherished son of Daniel Arthur Yelton and Louella Yelton (nee Lynn).
Larry was preceded in death by his loving wife, Karen Yelton, father, Daniel Yelton, mother, Louella Yelton, and brother Danny Dale Yelton.
He leaves behind his children, Jill Yelton (Gary Stork), Brett Yelton, Jessica Madden; his grandchildren, Brock, Tyler, and Trae Yelton, Lacey Cassidy (Nate), Conrad Krieger (Nicole); four great-grandchildren; Braddock Yelton, Valkyrie and Kaedrick Cassidy, Caspian Krieger; his godson Rick McCollum (Becky); and many devoted friends and church family.
He had a great love for his country and proudly served in the United States Army 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds” achieving the rank of SP4 E-4 and serving overseas during the Vietnam War. At home, he devoted himself to teaching history and coaching sports in which he was also an avid participant in his younger years. In his youth, he attended Boone County High School, Erlanger, KY, where he played football, baseball, and basketball- where he was point guard and captain of his high school team that finished runner-up at the Kentucky State Championship. At Anderson College (Anderson University, Indiana), Larry was on scholarship as a running back, linebacker and cornerback for four years with the Anderson Ravens football team. Larry loved storytelling and those who knew him will remember many of the stories he shared over the years. Larry was an avid car enthusiast and could talk automobiles and pick-ups with anyone. Larry was a proud active member of the SCV (Sons of the Confederate Veteran) camp.
As a member of the Fairview Presbyterian Church in Fountain Inn, SC, Larry served as a deacon with pride and sang in the choir. He was well-known as the man in charge of the coffee and the maker of pistachio bread. His church family was a blessing and a joy for him and his wife, Karen. Larry loved sharing the mercy and grace of God’s love whenever he was out in the community and inviting people to come and visit the church and people he and Karen loved dearly.
A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Fairview Presbyterian Church; 126 Fairview Church Rd, Fountain Inn, SC 29644. A Funeral Service will follow beginning at 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to: Fairview Presbyterian Church, FPC Sponsored Missionaries, 126 Fairview Church Rd., Fountain Inn, SC 29644.