Wilbur Edward Yonan, devoted husband, loving father, "Jaju," and proud WWII Navy Veteran passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 22, 2012 in Long Beach, CA. Will was born on December 10, 1924 to Baba and Suria Jones in New Britain, Connecticut. He attended school in New Britain and in 1942, enlisted in the Navy where he served as a radioman aboard the USS Edgecombe delivering troops to Guam, the Leyte Gulf, the Philippines, Okinawa, and Japan. After the war, Will headed west to Los Angeles and earned his Bachelor's degree from Pepperdine University. He continued his education at CSU Long Beach where he graduated with his secondary teaching credential and Master's degree. Will went on to teach for Los Angeles Unified School District for 37 years, during which time he raised his family of five daughters in Downey. Throughout retirement, Will remained involved with several charitable organizations and enjoyed continuing the positive impact he was able to instill in others while teaching. Will enjoyed a loving marriage of 36 years with his wife, Claire, until her death in 1989. In 1990, Will met his second wife Gaye and they were married happily for over 20 years. Will was predeceased by his daughter, Elizabeth Layland, and grandchild James Renold. Wilbur is survived by his beloved wife Gaye, his daughters Rosemary (Nick), Christine (Michael), Judith, Patricia (Michael), (Michael Layland), Stephanie (Dennis), Judy (Jim). Will is also survived by his sister Lorraine Davisson of San Jose, Grandchildren Andrew, Nicole, Samantha, Alexander, Kimberly, Patrick, Kathryn, Joy, Sharon, Noelle, Michael, Christopher, Audrey, Brad (Amber), Kevin, Shelley (Jason), and Great-Grandchildren, Charlotte, Reilly, Joshua, Elizabeth, and Brennen.Services will be held Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 9:30 am at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church 5100 East Broadway, Long Beach. Interment will follow at All Souls Cemetery, Long Beach.

********** Published: November 29, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 33