john yeager, jr.
A TRUE AMERICAN WAR HERO John R. (Tray) Yeager, Jr., 62, a True American War Hero, passed away Saturday June 20, 2009. John was born to John R. and Joan Wilson Yeager Sr. in Parsons, WV on December 19, 1946. John graduated from Weir High School in 1964, and immediately enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the 101st Airborne Division – "Screaming Eagles", where he was a recipient of a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars, one with letter V device First Oak Leaf Cluster. After fighting in Vietnam, John returned home for a life devoted to fighting for justice as an attorney. Initially, he was employed by Weirton Steel, where he worked in the B.O.P. He eventually earned his Law Degree from West Virginia University, and opened his law practice in Weirton in 1978. John served as the City Attorney for four years during Mayor William Miller's administration. He also served as legal counsel for the City of Weirton Housing Authority, and the Colliers Sportsman's Club. John's true passion was helping others. He offered a lot of pro bono legal counsel for local veterans, served as Mental Health Commissioner for 20 years, was the keynote speaker at numerous veteran groups, and authored articles in the Time Life Magazine. John was a member of the VFW 2716, and the First United Methodist Church in Weirton, where he formerly taught adult Sunday school. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family. John is survived by his parents, John R. and Joan Wilson Yeager of Toronto, OH (formerly of Weirton, WV); his wonderful devoted wife, Ethel Madden Yeager, whom he married on August 1, 1970; his daughter Christina Glosser and her husband Aaron; his granddaughter Brianna Glosser all of Weirton; his brother, Tim Yeager and his wife Marla of Toronto, OH, his sisters: Sherry Foglio and her husband Tony of Toronto, OH, Cyndy Fisher, and her husband Rusty of Weirton, and Nancy Ballato and her husband Sars of Colliers, WV. Visitation will be 2-4 & 6-8 PM Tuesday at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV. Additional visitation will be Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church 3301 West Street Weirton from 11 AM until time of services at 12 Noon. Pastor Tony Foglio will preside. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, Steubenville, OH, with full military graveside services conducted by American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to the Disabled American Veterans P.O. BOX 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 Attn: Gift Processing

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. You and I shared a lot of stories dong our high school years and after the “war”. Remembered John working in the mill and going to school for his law degree. Many of us thought you would never make it but you proved us all wrong. You will be missed – thank you for every thing God Bless You

  2. John was a good man, a good lawyer and a good friend. He will be missed by his fellow members of the bar. Rest easy, partner.

  3. Ethel & Family, My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. John was an exceptionally well liked person by myself and my staff. We will miss him. Eleanor Straight, Hancock Co. Clerk

  4. There is not enough room to explain what a great person Tray was. He was everything you would want your son, father, and relative to be. I really can’t say enough about him. He will be trully missed.

  5. family of john, I am saddened to hear of the death of john He was a great friend and got me thru my divorce. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. sincerely, jerry hamill

  6. I was saddened to hear of John’s death. I have wonderful memories of John as the Sunday School teacher at First United Methodist. He was dedicated to his church and shared his faith by his actions. He was truly a good man.

  7. I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Yeager. He was such a good person and was always there when we needed him to help our clients at the Greenbrier Manor Group Home. My sincere condolences.

  8. My deepest sympathy to the Yeager family. I didn’t know John personally, but as a Viet Nam veteran and Weir High alumni (1958-61)I salute him and honor his legacy! He has made people from Weirton proud!

  9. John, Joanne,Sherry,Cindy,Tim & Nancy and Ethal too.. We were so sorry to read about John’s passing. We pray that you all will be comforted during this most difficult time..

  10. Dear Ethel, I’m so sorry about your loss. I’m sure this comes as a shock but our time on this earth is up to God. Be strong and faithful. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know. Christina, Losing a parent is so heartwrenching there isn’t much I can say except how sorry I am this has happened. Be strong honey. You’re dad is in heaven with the angels. Love Paula

  11. Johnny and Joan This has been a shock though I didn’t know your son. I remember when he was born. I am so sorry!!!

  12. Dear Family Members, I am so sorry to read about Tray. I can still remember the mornings that I would come upstairs to your home above Avonas. You have my sincere condolences. Pete Kundrat

  13. Dear Ethel & Christina: I was shocked to view the Greco website and see John’s obituary. I know nothing of the circumstances of his death and know that my saddness and greif is miniscule compared to what you are currently experiencing! Yet, at the same time I am certain that John is basking in the glory of the Lord. I have never met another man of integrity and moral terpetude, perhaps spare Pope John Paul II. John was a blessing in my life not only during my days at St. Paul’s but for yeas after. He was a legal expert to sveral members of my family. For all we are truly grateful. Please accept our prayers of support as you grieve your loss. With love and heartfelt sympathy, Stan Tuchalski

  14. Rocky Mountains and winding streams…children laughing….you loved these things. A man of honor, you went to war…to keep evil men from America’s shore. You lay down your gun and a law degree pursued….for by defending and protecting, you were greatly moved. So Farewell dear Brother..your fight was brave….you honored your country and the Yeager name. We love you and will miss you…till we meet again…….. In God’s Great Kingdom, that will have no end……………………

  15. Deepest sympathy to John’s family. He will be missed, he was a great guy and attorney. He always was there to help.

  16. Dear Yeager Family, You have my sincere condolences on Tray’s passing away. I have very fond memories of us as kids growing up together at the State Line area. Our friendship continue while he had a great career as a lawyer. Again my deepest sympathy on your loss and our loss too. Nick Kundrat

  17. Joan and Johnny, I wanted to say how sorry I am to learn of Tray’s passing. There are no words of comfort but please know that you and your family will be in my daily prayers. Love, Lauren, George and Joe

  18. Tray’s brother, Tim, told me that Tray was very intellegent and he could of had an office job in the Army, but being Tray, he choose to fight. He never took the easy road. A man in the same church as Tray’s mother turned around to tell her that Tray was the most honest lawyer he had ever met and had dealings with. Joan, Trays Mother replied “I know it”. And she did. This is just a few things that tells you what a man he was.

  19. To the Yeager Family, Humility, valor, wit and wisdom. These are only a few words to describe a man who started out as my legal councel and became someone that I considered a friend. After business was taken care of , John always had a story or words of wisdom to share. The subjects varied from war to wildflowers to old wives tales. I always felt as though I was his only client but not his only friend. His character and integrety were attributes that impacted all whose lives he touched. He will surely be missed. Respectfully, Cindy Magnone

  20. As a classmate of John’s, I am saddened at his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult time.

  21. My children met Tray when he was just 17. He was my son,s hero. We have a picture of them standing together…John in his uniform and our son, Bill looking very proud. When he was about to get his law degree, Carl asked him one day what kind of a lawyer he was planning to be. Without hesitation Tray replied ” an honest one” He was that..gk

  22. Ethel, Christina, Aaron & Brianna, Anthony and I are so very sorry for your loss. May your fondest memories keep him forever alive in your hearts and minds. The greatest words of comfort I can offer are from God’s Holy Word “absent from the world, present with the LORD” – May our LORD and Savior bring you comfort, strength and peace at this difficult time in each of your lives. Out thoughts, love and prayers are with you all, Anthony Lombardi Terry Karas

  23. you have my condolences. Trey was a good fiend for all of these years and was very helpful to my parents. I remember when we were in jr high or just freshmen and john had a fish in kings creek that he wanted to catch. he must have walked down to kings creek, near p.v.cc. every day from april to september. And believe it he caught that trout in september. Another time he was taking my mother to pittsburgh for medical help after my dad passed and if i remember correcftly they ranout of gas on the way and another motorist started to give them grief and john punched the guy. what a good friend from afar. now he can chase the big trout in heaven

  24. It has been a long time since I have seen you all, but I have fond memories of Mr. Yeager from growing up. My thoughts are prayers are with you.

  25. Yeager family~ We have lost a dear “cousin” loved by our family. Our memories of growing up together will keep Tray in our hearts in the years to come. It was a shrimp fry to remember….with love & affection, Janet, Mary, Rose Marie & Anita

  26. Sherry, Tony, Tony and Jessica (and families): I am so sorry to read of the passing of John. I worked for John while Bill was away during Dessert Storm. He was a wonderful man who made that time easier for me. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Also, my parents asked me to pass along their condolences as we are in Reno at this time. Kathi (Mark) Eastham Allan & Rose Mark

  27. Ethel & all the Yeager family Our world got a lot sadder today. We lost a great person who touched us all, deeply. I think back on our 55+ year friendship and can’t help but smile. God is going to hear some good stories now. I’ll miss you Tray, my great friend.I loved you. Ron Wade

  28. I am so glad I got to visit with Trey at the Yeager reunion last summer. He and Steve and I had fun remembering the fishing trips with my grandad Sam, uncle Johnny, my dad, and others. He was always good for a good story or ten! I think he picked up where Juney left off, all true of course!! I always admired Trey and was proud to tell people that my cousin was a decorated war hero at a time when Viet Nam vets were not looked on favorably. I know my dad enjoyed visiting with Trey about history and all the books they traded. He will leave a hole in our lives. Pam and I send our condolences to his family. We will throw a hook and line in the Blackwater this July and remember the laughs and the tall tales!

  29. We are so sorry. We will keep the family in our prayers. Uncle Johnny and Aunt Joan, we never expect our children to leave this earth before us. We love you!

  30. Ethel,Christina, Aaron & Our Precious Breanna He was one of my best friends, a big brother and a great boss. I have been too busy looking for all of his misplaced “stuff” to get to grieve. He was the most humble man I have ever known and it is an honor to have known, worked for and be a part of his life. I will look at the last 16 years as a wonderful learning experience on what character really means because he was a man of his word with the character of a real Christian man. I loved him and respected him. All of you will always be a part of my family. Love always, Dorie

  31. Daddy, you were the most honorable, caring, honest, hard working man alive! You truely loved your family and friends and worked so hard for what was right! There will never be another like you! We will be lost without you!


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