George Franklin Yeager, Sr.

George Franklin Yeager, Sr., 88, of Butlerville, passed away at 9:50 p.m. on Monday, August 8, 2016.

Born August 18, 1927, in rural Shelby County, George was the son of Ernest Frederick Yeager and Mildred Margaret Williams Yeager.

George grew up and went to Zenas School in Jennings County. He joined the United States Army in February 1944 as a Private, and retired in April 1967, as a Chief Warrant Officer. During those 23 years, he served as a Military Policeman in many parts of the world, notably Germany, Alaska, Korea (twice) and Vietnam. During this time period, he received many awards and decorations.

Upon military retirement, he worked almost five years as a security/police officer for the Atterbury Job Corps. He later was employed as manager of the North Vernon Moose Lodge for approximately 18 years. While associated with and working in the Moose organization, he became a life member, and was elevated to the highest degree the fraternity offers, the Pilgrim Degree of Merit. He was also a 50-year member of Butlerville Masonic Lodge #219. For many years following, he worked odd jobs and cut wood as a hobby.

While stationed in Cincinnati, OH, George married Mamie Ruth Hall in July 1946. In 1949, daughter #1, Pamela Joy was born at Camp Kilmer, NJ. She died in 2005. In 1952, daughter Trudy Gay was born at Fort Knox, KY. She died that same year and is buried there. During his tour in Germany, George, Jr. was born in 1954. At George’s next assignment, in Fort Chaffee, AR, Deborah Rae was born in 1956.

Survivors include brothers, Tony Yeager of North Vernon, and Fred Yeager of Florida; sister, Reba Lucas of North Vernon; daughter, Deborah Rae Hoover of North Vernon; son, George Yeager, Jr., of North Vernon; adopted son, Mike Colbert of North Carolina; six grandchildren, Curtis Upton, Jeff Yeager, Trudy Whited, Jamey Gibson, Stacey King and Tracey Gibson; 13 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mamie Ruth Yeager; daughters, Pamela Joy Upton and Trudy Gay Yeager; brothers, Curtis, Byron, Tom, Marion and Walter Yeager; two infant sisters; and grandson, Todd Upton.

Memorials may be made through the funeral home to Josiah D. Yeager Scholarship Fund, Moose Heart, Moose Haven or World Wide Education Work of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

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