Gerard Kevin Yarnell

September 23, 2017 - December 7, 2017

Gerard Kevin Yarnell, 73, of Concord, NC passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a long illness. Born in Boston, MA, Kevin was the son of Patrick and Theresa Yarnell, and lived in Massachusetts for much of his life. Kevin served his country in the United States Air Force from 1966 thru 1970 on active duty, serving overseas, and in the reserves following his active service until 1972 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. He spent his career with New England Telephone (later Nynex) as a lineman/technician. He also worked in the community as a dispatcher for the Marlborough Fire Department. He was a lifetime fan of motor racing. He loved working on race cars in his youth and spent many weekends at Westboro Speedway, where he passed on a love of racing to his sons. After his retirement, he moved to Charlotte to a home near enough to the Speedway that he could open the windows and hear the cars on the track. He was also a lifelong fan his beloved Boston Red Sox. In later years as his health declined, he was blessed to have his wife Pauline by his side. Pauline retired from a career of nursing to provide full time care for him as his illnesses progressed, and was able to give him such care that he was able to enjoy several years of a good life that otherwise could not have been. He leaves behind wife, his sister Joan, his sons Keith and Kevin, his daughters Tina and Shannon, his grandchildren Katelyn, Sydra, Keith, Phoenix, Gunnar, Raven, and Kiera. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to one of the children’s charities associated with NASCAR - the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital in Concord, NC, the Adam Petty Victory Junction Camp in Randolph, NC, or the Speedway Children’s Charities based at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The family has given the honor and privilege to the family of the Lowe-Neddo Funeral home to serve and care for them. The family will receive friends this Sunday from 1:00pm to 2:00pm in the Chapel of the funeral home.