Brigadier General Jack E. Yeager, (Ret.) completed his earthly duties on December 20, 2017, after a short, courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Rivesville, WV, on August 21, 1937, he enlisted in the West Virginia Army National Guard at age 18. He would continue with the Guard for the next 39 years during which time he served as acting Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, retiring as a Brigadier General. Upon retirement, he was promoted to Major General, a two-star ranking in the West Virginia National Guard. His service to our state and country continued by way of his current role as the State Director of Selective Service.
He graduated from West Virginia State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. He then attended Marshall University to obtain a M.A. in Political Science. He completed his Doctorate at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VPI&SU). Doctor Yeager was a Professor of Leadership Studies at Marshall University, where he held Professor Emeritus Status, before becoming the Mayor of Dunbar in 2008. He retired from city leadership in 2013 and spent more time on his Christmas Tree farm in Roane county. Throughout his extensive career, Jack also served on Saint Albans' City Council and was the Dean of Student Affairs at West Virginia State University.
Mayor Yeager is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Lurene Cross-Yeager, Lora O. Yeager Sr.; his brothers, Robert Yeager and Lorrie O. Yeager, Jr.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Barbara Creamer-Yeager; and his children Kimberly Eagle (Eric Eagle) of Dunbar, Mindy Armstead (Charles Armstead) of Nitro, Julie Yeager of Dunbar, Robert Yeager (Shawnda Yeager) of Dunbar and Susan Yeager of Dunbar.
Dad Yeager was loved dearly by his grandchildren, Dawson Eagle, Hunter Armstead-Byrd (James), Charles Lee Armstead, Forest Armstead, Ben Armstead, Jacob Lucas, Katelyn Lucas, Christopher Kilpatrick, Samuel Kilpatrick, Emily Divers, Hannah Divers, Xander Christenson.
Jack is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Christ the King Church, located at 1504 Grosscup Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064 on Friday, December 22, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, December 23, at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Church. Interment will follow the mass at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, 130 Academy Drive, Dunbar, WV 25064.
Additional parking will be provided at Dunbar First Baptist Church and Dunbar United Methodist Church. Shuttle service will be provided.
Arrangements are in care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.
