Edward Kofi Yankson

Lieutenant Colonel Edward Kofi Yankson United States Air Force (Retired) 

September 19, 1954 – March 4, 2026

Lieutenant Colonel Edward Kofi Yankson was born on September 19, 1954, in Makeni, Sierra Leone, West Africa, to the late Mr. Robert Seth Boy Yankson and Mrs. Hannah Sinnah Yankson.  He graduated from Saint Francis Secondary School in Makeni in 1971.

In 1972, he came to the United States as a foreign student, beginning a journey that would lead to decades of distinguished service to his adopted nation. In 1979, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Personnel Specialist.  While serving in the Air Force, he also contributed to higher education as a college instructor for the University of Maryland, Southern Illinois University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, teaching Personnel Management, Principles of Management, Human Resource Management, and French.

Through dedication, excellence, and leadership, he earned his commission through Air Force Officer Training School in 1985, beginning an accomplished career as an Air Force officer.  Throughout his military service, Lt. Col. Yankson served in numerous assignments in the United States and overseas, including leadership roles in Germany, Belgium, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, as well as joint assignments supporting NATO and international defense cooperation.  His final active-duty assignment was as Chief, Military Personnel Programs Support Division at U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia, where he oversaw personnel operations supporting more than 2,000 joint-service members.

Following his retirement from active duty on October 31, 2004, Lt. Col. Yankson continued serving the nation as a federal civilian at the GS-15 level with U.S. Joint Forces Command and later The Joint Staff in Suffolk, Virginia, until his final retirement in April 2018. Over the course of 38 years of combined military and federal service, he faithfully served the United States with honor, integrity, and distinction.

Lt. Col. Yankson earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Park College, Missouri, and a Master of Science in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. He also completed professional military education at Squadron Officer School and the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base. His distinguished service was recognized with numerous decorations, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Lieutenant Colonel Yankson was a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished friend. He is survived by his beloved wife, Christina Lynn (Chissell) Yankson, and their daughter, Ericka.

Lt. Col. Yankson’s life was defined by faith, service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to family and country. His legacy of honor and commitment will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Lieutenant Colonel Edward Kofi Yankson served his nation with honor and distinction. His watch is complete.”

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Centurion Interdenominational Church - Fort Monroe. 

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests the memorial contributions be made in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Edward Kofi Yankson to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).