Dr. Paul Yamber O.D., 86, of DeKalb, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 14, 2012. All of his children were at his side along with other loved ones.

Paul was born February 11, 1925 in West Wyoming, PA, the son of Michael and Mary Yamber. Paul graduated from West Wyoming High School in June, 1943 and was drafted that month into the Army. Paul volunteered for the Airborne and trained at Fort Benning, GA before being assigned to the 17th Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. Paul was a member of the 513 Parachute Infantry regiment company; third battalion. He served as a paratrooper during WWII in the Battle of the Bulge. He received a Purple Heart for being wounded in combat in Belgium during the cold winter of 1944. When he recovered from his wounds, he served in the Military Police in France. Paul was discharged from the Army after the conclusion of the war in May 1946.

After returning from the military service, Paul attended college in Memphis, TN. He continued his education at Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, IL and received his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1951. While in Chicago, he met Barbara Cook and they were married on February 17, 1952. Paul and Barbara were married 59 years. They started their life together in Chicago before moving to Waukegan. Paul and Barbara permanently moved to DeKalb in 1960 where Paul began his optometric practice; Better Vision Optical. Paul retired from optometry in 2005 at the age of 80. Paul also owned and operated Yamber Properties and many may remember him as their landlord.

Paul enjoyed spending time with his family and especially with his Grandchildren and Great Granddaughter. He always had his camera at every family gathering. He enjoyed walking around DeKalb getting to know people and hearing their stories. Paul was an avid football fan. Paul and Barbara enjoyed traveling upon his retirement and attending their grandchildren?s activities. Paul was a kind and loving husband, father and friend and will be missed greatly.

Paul was a long time member of First Lutheran Church in DeKalb. He was also an active member of the Shriners and Elks.

Survivors include four children, Debra (Donald) Landphair of Bettendorf, IA, Kathleen (Gaylord) Lockwood of Maple Park, IL, Paul M. Yamber of Lonoke, AR, and Marilyn (David) Fannon of DeKalb, IL; eight grandchildren, Katherine and Alexander Landphair, Nicole (Rich) Jonutz and Megan Lockwood, Paul W. Yamber, Michael, Zachary, and Noah Willard; and one great grandchild, Makayla Jonutz, and sister Margaret Slezak of Fallbrook, CA.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife Barbara in October 2011, his parents, two sisters and a brother.

A Visitation will be held for both Dr. Paul Yamber and Barbara Yamber on Friday, January 20th at Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home in DeKalb from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. A private service for immediate family will be held on Saturday January 21, 2012. Cremation has taken place in the Finch Crematory. Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church in DeKalb. Arrangements were entrusted to: Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.

Service:

Visitation:
Friday, January 20, 2012

4:00 - 8:00 pm

Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home