TEXTILES.ORG
Former Industrial Fabrics Association International (now ATA) Chairman Kevin Yonce passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on April 29, 2023.
Yonce was born January 24, 1970, in Urbana, Ill. He was a lifelong resident of Champaign-Urbana and a 1988 graduate of Urbana High School.
Yonce is survived by his mother, Wanda, brother Byron (wife Lynn), nephew and niece Nick (wife Emily) and Lizzie, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Wayne, grandparents Esta and John Yonce and Earl and Bernice Barnes.
Yonce’s accomplishments were vast and widely recognized, as he was incredibly involved in his community. He was an influential member of Rotary for more than 26 years, having served as president of Champaign West Rotary and District Governor. Additionally, Yonce was passionately involved in, and on the board of United Way, Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Center for Women in Transition (Courage Connection), and Illinois Rebounders, having served as president for the 2014–2015 season. Anyone who had the pleasure of volunteering with Yonce was well aware of his dedication to serving his community.
Yonce had been active in the specialty fabrics industry since 1988. He worked with his family at Twin City Tent and Awning, a family-owned business that served the Champaign community for 89 years, and was named CEO of the company in 1995. Then, in 2018, Yonce and two other individuals began Shade Solutions.
Yonce was very active in our industry, having previously served on the board of directors of the Mid-America Canvas Products Association (now known as the Midwest Fabric Products Association), the Technical Fabrics Association Management Group, as chair of the Truck Cover and Tarp Association, as well as the Makers Division. He also served on the board of directors of IFAI from 2003–2015, and most notably as chairman of the board from 2011–2013. Yonce held multiple certifications including the Master Fabric Craftsman, Certified Project Planner and Industrial Fabrics Manager.
He was truly a great person and wonderful volunteer, and he will be missed by the ATA staff and our industry.