William Roger Yardley “Cannonball” was born in Winona, Missouri, on April 25, 1951, to Bob and Mable Yardley. He was united in marriage to Shirley Faye Tipton on March 7, 1970. To this union two children, Brian & Terri, were born. William departed this life peacefully, with his girls at his side, on February 4, 2023, after a decline in health.
William was a light-hearted, fun-loving man that enjoyed giving everyone a hard time and making people laugh. He worked hard all of his life, most being spent looking through a windshield, behind the wheel of a truck. When he wasn’t on the road, he loved to spend time outdoors fishing, gigging, and hunting. In the last couple years of his life, one of his favorite ways to spend his time was playing dice or just talking with his girls. He talked a lot about the life he had lived and often spoke fondly of the time he spent living in Colorado. He liked to portray himself as a tough guy in stories of his younger days with his brothers, but those that know him best know he had a softer, caring side reserved mostly for children and dogs. William loved being around kids, laughing at the things they said and picking on them. During his last couple years he spent a great deal of time with his grandpups, often putting himself at the bottom of a big pile of puppies. His true nature was finding joy in watching those most innocent being carefree and happy. Carefree and happy is a good way to describe how William lived his own life. He wanted nothing more out of life than to love his family, work for a little money, and enjoy the time he had. He was a great success at all of these and can now rest after a life well lived.
William is preceded in death by his parents, Bob & Mable Yardley; his wife, Shirley Yardley; two sisters, Cricket McClurg and Kathy Mahan; five brothers, Bill, Butch, Elza, Richard, and Mouse; a great-granddaughter, Kinnedy Rose Cox; two nephews, Adam and Chipper Yardley; two brothers-in-law, Lynn McClurg and Alvin Tipton; two sisters-in-law, Bonnie and Nancy Yardley; best friend, Norman Cotten; and his beloved dog, Tinker.
He leaves to mourn his passing his partner, DJ Cotten; son, Brian Yardley and wife, Amanda; daughter, Terri Yardley and wife, Shayla; brothers, Scoch and wife, Becky, and Gusher and wife, Judy; sister-in-law, Tammy Sites; grandchildren, Matt and Tyler Yardley, Tiffany Cox and husband, Levi, and Rudy Tudy; bonus granddaughter, Jessica Lindsey; great-grandchildren, Tinsley, Karrson, and Reece Cox, and Blayne and Arianna Yardley; bonus great-granddaughter, Zoey Lindsey; and as well as a host of other family and friends.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Yarber Mortuary, Winona, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
