Eugene H. Yerkes, 92, funeral home owner

Eugene H. "Bud" Yerkes, 92, a former Philadelphia funeral home owner, died at home in Elsinboro, Salem County, Thursday of acute bronchitis and complications of Parkinson's disease.

Mr. Yerkes was a part-owner of the Yerkes Funeral Home on Elmwood Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia from 1936 to 1975, when he retired. His grandparents had founded the business.

Mr. Yerkes operated the funeral home with his twin uncles after his father died. "It was a family business and he helped out even while he was in mortuary school," said Elizabeth Coombs Hilliard Yerkes, his wife of 31 years.

He grew up in Philadelphia, and after marrying he moved to Elsinboro. The couple had no children.

Mr. Yerkes was "an accomplished musician," his wife said, adding that he played guitar in several bands. She played drums. For Mr. Yerkes 90th birthday party, a singer in one of their previous bands made a surprise appearance.

In his spare time, Mr. Yerkes also enjoyed woodworking and billiards. He was a golfer and boating enthusiast who loved spending summer nights along the Chesapeake Bay. The couple had a summer home in Florida.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Yerkes is survived by great-nephews, nieces and cousins.

Memorial services will be held at Salem Friends Meetinghouse, East Broadway and Walnut Street in Salem at noon on Saturday. Interment will be private. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Salem County, 390 N. Broadway, Pennsville, N.J. 08070.