David E. Yocom

David E. Yocom died peacefully in his home on January 19, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

David was born September 5, 1938, to Frank M. and Nona Davie Yocom. David grew up in a small home in South Salt Lake, where he began working at a young age and enjoyed playing sports with his older brother Ray and younger brother Richard.  He said he had a “Happy Days” kind of childhood.  His family worked hard, but also enjoyed many weekend fishing and camping trips. David attended Granite High School where he played football and baseball in his older brother’s shadow.  They were known as “Big Yoke” and “Little Yoke” until Ray graduated, and David was just “Yoke.”  David followed his brother to Dixie College where they played baseball together.  After Dixie and time in the Army reserves, David went to the University of Utah, ultimately graduating from the U’s Law School in 1965.  He was a loyal “Utah Man” his whole life, often dressed in red wherever he went.  He married Kay Browning in 1960 and they had two sons, Lew and Tim, then later divorced.      

David began his law career in private practice and enjoyed the challenges of criminal defense work.  He married Linda Phillips in 1971 and around that time was offered a part-time prosecutor position by former District Attorney and David’s mentor, Jay Banks.  David steadily ascended through the ranks of the D.A.’s office becoming a top-prosecutor, overseeing some of the most infamous criminal cases in Utah history.  Prosecuting these complex and widely publicized cases not only showcased his legal abilities but also demonstrated his deep commitment to seeking justice. 

In 1986, David was elected Salt Lake County Attorney.  After losing the election in 1994, David worked for the Appeals Division of the Utah Attorney General's office.  He was again elected District Attorney in 1998, serving until he retired at the end of 2006, capping off a 41-year career.  David loved being District Attorney.  He was passionate about public service, victim advocacy, and leading the attorneys in his office. While often seeming gruff on the outside, those who knew him well, knew David had a dry sense of humor and cared deeply for the public servants under his administration and the important work they did.  

When he wasn’t hard at work, David loved spending time boating on Flaming Gorge and Lake Powell, fishing and watching his boys water ski.  After retiring, David and Linda moved to Sunriver, St. George, where he reconnected with old friends and colleagues, who he enjoyed golfing and reminiscing with.  He even got a hole-in-one once.  David enjoyed many good years travelling with his family and good friends, and watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up.  He desperately wanted to keep watching them and hopefully he still is.    

David is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda; children Troy (Robyn) Phillips, Lew (Ivy) Yocom; Tim (Cindy) Yocom, Jason (Holly) Yocom; 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Children’s Justice Center of Salt Lake County, or plant a tree. A celebration of David’s life will be on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building.