Tulsa World: A traveler through space, time

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A traveler through space, time
Sapulpan Dick Yocham loved globe-trotting and preserving the town's history.

Wearing his red AAA jacket, tour guide Dick Yocham is pictured in Holland, Mich., during the city's annual tulip festival, where he was leading a tour. Courtesy

By TIM STANLEY World Staff Writer
Published: 11/19/2009 2:31 AM
Last Modified: 11/19/2009 5:02 AM

SAPULPA — When he wasn't leading groups of travelers on round-the-world jaunts, globe-trotting retiree Dick Yocham racked up an equally impressive number of miles as a tour guide to his hometown's past.

Yocham and his wife, Doris Yocham, who led cruises and bus tours for AAA after they retired, also spent many tireless hours volunteering at the Sapulpa Historical Museum.

The longtime Sapulpa community leader died Oct. 24. He was 88. A memorial service was held Oct. 28 at the First Church of the Nazarene under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.

George Richard "Dick" Yocham knew a lot about Sapulpa's past, in part because he lived through its toughest times: His tenant-farming father died during the Depression, leaving his wife to support Dick and three siblings.

That Depression generation and others are commemorated on the museum's three floors, many of which bear signs of Yocham's creative touch. The Sapulpa Historical Society board member, who created floral arrangements as a hobby, was directly involved in crafting the museum's displays.

Yocham and his wife were named the Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce's Citizens of the Year in 2008 for their work with the museum, which spanned two decades.

"It was something we could do together," said Doris Yocham, director of the museum at 100 E. Lee Ave.

Eschewing the RV life favored by most restless retirees, the couple became AAA tour guides after Yocham, who served a term on the Sapulpa City Council, ended his long career with Liberty Glass Co. in 1984.

"I don't think Dick and I could've stood each other for 24 hours together in an RV," laughed Doris Yocham, who celebrated her 66th anniversary with her husband in June. "This way we could share it with other people and we made a lot of friends on those trips that we're still close to."

Over 12 years, the Navy veteran and his wife logged thousands of miles leading cruises and bus tours across the U.S., Caribbean and northern and western Europe.

Other survivors include one son, Tony Yocham; two granddaughters; and many nephews and nieces.

Tim Stanley 581-8385
tim.stanley@tulsaworld.com By TIM STANLEY World Staff Writer

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