John R. Yeager

YEAGER, John R. (Tray) 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, Ohio (formerly of Weirton, W.Va.); 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, Ohio, his sisters, Sherry Foglio and her husband, Tony of Toronto, Ohio, Cyndy Fisher, and her husband, Rusty of Weirton, and Nancy Ballato and her husband, Sars of Colliers, W.Va.

Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. 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 a.m. until time of services at Noon.

Pastor Tony Foglio will preside.

Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, Steubenville, Ohio, 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.