Tributes

“I did it my way” Final Tribute to Robert Youman Robert’s earthly journey began on the 4th of July in 1922, the third child of Robert and Phyllis Gertrude Youman. His dearly departed siblings were Sammy Joe Williams and Inez Greggs. He left his hometown in Kissimmee, Florida, at age 16 to join the U.S. Army, where he served “courageously” during World War II playing tuba and French horn in the band, and singing as a featured soloist, while his mother prayed for his protection against combat. His lifelong love for music ended with him singing softly, “I’m ready, let’s go, and come on and do it now,” as his final hours approached on February 16, 2016. After his discharge from the army in 1945, Robert settled in Washington, D.C., and, in 1946, began a 42-year career in civil service. He credits his friend and mentor, Robert Boardman, with shepherding his upward mobility at the U.S. Navy's Naval Sea Systems Command from which he retired in 1988 as its first Black contracting officer. Previously, he worked ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬at the Veterans Administration and in the Navy’s Bureau of Aeronautics, which later became part of the Naval Weapons System Command. There was no public high school in Kissimmee for Negroes when Robert left there in 1941. Therefore, he graduated from Cardozo High School in Washington, D.C. in 1947, after serving in the Army. Robert subsequently attended George Washington University and earned numerous certificates from the Navy through work-related studies. He also received several awards for outstanding service. Robert was young at heart and loved to surround himself with beautiful, young women. Fortunately,” LaT” from his alliance of Youman’s Girls, formed during his work years, looked in on him often and was the angel most familiar with his vulnerabilities. He also fondly regarded her as his “daughter.” The family is grateful for the love and devotion of all of the Youman’s Girls – LaTonya Jenkins, Michelle Armstrong, Karla Harris, Laura Caracciolo, Karen Hammack, Teunsha Williams-Hinnant, Debra Jordan, and Debra Mackall -- with whom he regularly had lunch while able. Robert never met a woman with whom he did not flirt, and was a bachelor until age 47. The young, beautiful Paula Martin finally led him to the altar. They had two children, Sharron and Trevin, and subsequently were divorced. He later married Lillian Lincoln, a successful entrepreneur, with whom he honeymooned aboard the Queen Elizabeth II to Europe. They became regulars at national country clubs where he enjoyed playing golf. Their marriage also ended in divorce. In the early 1990’s, Robert moved back to Florida, albeit it briefly, for he soon returned to Washington. He resumed worshipping at The Episcopal Church of the Atonement, where, during his membership of nearly 60 years, he served as: President of the Senior Choir, the Junior Warden, a member of the Vestry for several terms, a member of the Men’s Club, and a member of the Finance Committee. Until his health failed, he also accompanied the priest on weekly visits to members of the congregation and their families who were hospitalized, and/or homebound to provide communion, pray and sing hymns. Often, other patients in the hospital and/or nursing home joined in and enjoyed praising God. For several years, audiences of the local Heritage Signature Chorale also were blessed by inclusion of his beautiful baritone voice. More than his love for music, Robert loved God and his family. As the patriarch of the Youman Family, he leaves to cherish his memory his son Trevin and Trevin’s daughters, Dylan and Piper Youman. Other grandchildren are survivors of his daughter Sharron Goldston who died suddenly in September 2015. They are: Patrice and Terrell Goldston of Raleigh, North Carolina; and Faith and Grace Goldston of Pensacola, Florida; and one great-grand child, Avery. Other survivors are nieces Vinita Brown and Kathy Jackson of Kissimmee, Florida; Thurmus King, his devoted nephew (like a son) and wife Evelyn and their daughters Kimberly and Karen King of the D.C. Metro Area; Twin grand nieces also born on the 4th of July, Ingrid and Inez Greggs, of New York City and Atlanta, respectively; grand nephew Darren Greggs and his son Christopher Greggs of New York City and Washington, D.C., respectively; and one great-grand niece, Erica Kioki of New York City. Robert will be missed by members of his church and a host of friends and neighbors. He was generous and kind; he donated to several charities, living out the words of the song: “If I can help somebody, as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain” and the Commandment to: “Love They Neighbor as Thyself” Matthew 22:39

Tributes

Robert Youman

July 4, 1922 - February 16, 2016