Francis L. Yetman, 70, of Columbia, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 2, 2012. Born in Albany, New York, he was the son of the late Walter Yetman and Gladys Lawrence Yetman.

Mr. Yetman was a US Army veteran, having proudly served his country for more than 21 years. He went on to work at the Department of Corrections as a Food Service Director before retiring after 20 years. He was an active member of his church, St. John Neumann Catholic Church and was a member of the American Legion as well as the National Commissioned Officers Association. Mr. Yetman also was proud to serve with the Knights of Columbus. He served as president of the Woodfield Homeowners Association for eight years.

Mr. Yetman is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, the former Margarete Bichler; son, Christian Yetman; daughter, Theresia Yetman Whitfield and her husband, Kurt; brothers, David Yetman and Donald Yetman, and his wife, Ann Yetman; and a sister, Susan Miller.

The Sorrowful Rosary will be prayed at 6 o'clock on Friday, October 5th at Shives Funeral Home, 5202 Colonial Drive, Columbia. The family will receive friends immediately following until 8 o'clock in the evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 o'clock on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road, Columbia, with the Rev. Fr. C. Alexander McDonald officiating. Mr. Yetman will be honored for his service in the military and Final Commendation and Farewell Prayers will be held at Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens. Mr. Yetman's family will welcome friends at a reception in the church social hall following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to two of Mr. Yetman's favorite charities: The Humane Society of South Carolina, 121 Humane Ln, Columbia, SC 29209 or the American Lung Association (for lung cancer research), 1817 Gadsden St, Columbia, SC 29201.