Howard Lee Yeakel, 57, died peacefully at his home in Allentown, December 1, 2012, after a courageous six month battle with cancer. Born in Allentown, he was the youngest child of Chester Franklin Yeakel Sr. and Anne (Godusky) Yeakel.

He grew up in Vera Cruz and graduated from Salisbury High School in 1974, where he was the gold key winner in the National Scholarship Arts Award.

His love for floral and interior design, his artistic ability and a special gift for cheerful and enthusiastic service led him to open the 19th Street Greenery and Floral Shop in Allentown. "When I have someone step into my shop, I want them to feel they have stepped into another world!" he said. Weddings and special events were his specialty, and he personalized every one. In 1992 he accepted a position with Phoebe Floral in Allentown and at the time of his death was manager of special events and the silk department. Over these 20 years he planned many weddings; "The sky's the limit as far as what we can do!" Yeakel carried this philosophy into joint planning of the annual Lehigh Valley Hospital fundraiser known as 'Nightlights;' the annual DeSales University Fundraiser; and the many Christmas display assignments around the valley.

He was an OUTREACH hospice volunteer for several years in the 90s and participated in many public organizations and fundraisers. His early career included various positions at Hess's Department Store and showroom manager and interior elecrical design consultant at All-Phase Electric and Coleman Electric.

He is survived by three brothers: Arthur Charles and his wife Margaret of Highland, Calif., Chester Franklin Jr. and his late wife Martha of Fogelsville, and Richard M. and his wife Eleanor of Allentown; five nephews; seven nieces. He was predeceased by a brother Charles Robert, and a nephew, Michael Sean.

Contributions may be made to the Allentown Art Museum and/or The Baum School of Art.

Arrangements were made by the Nicos C. Elias Funeral Home of Allentown.