John Lawrence Yeager

From early on, John’s life reflected steady work and steadfast endurance. He made his home in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he grew up alongside his brother, Bernard, and his sister, Evelyn. As a young man, he worked with Bernard in the uranium mines of New Mexico and Utah—work that demanded grit and resolve. He later joined the Navy, and in time went to San Francisco, where he worked on a boat. His path also took him to Alaska, where he worked on the pipeline, meeting each season of life with a quiet resilience and a practical strength.

John brought that same determined spirit into his working years. He worked at Morrison & Knutson Construction out of Denver and also managed a bar in Denver. Over time, his skill and sound judgment were evident in the many ways he applied himself, always with an eye toward doing things properly and thoroughly.

In his personal life, John became a father to his son, Jerry Lee Yeager, and his daughter, Carolyn Ann Yeager. In 1972, he met Charlotte Ann Wood at a social function. After calling and missing her multiple times, he decided to try one last time—and she answered. They married the following year, and through their marriage John gained four stepdaughters: Lynda, Carol, Marilyn, and Suzanne.

John’s interests were as grounded as they were wide-ranging. He enjoyed antiquing and going to auctions, especially in Las Vegas, traveling across the country and into Canada in search of antiques. He was a fan of bull riding and enjoyed old style country music. He also took simple pleasures seriously—steak, fresh fruit, and ice cream were among his favorites.

John was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge in Globe, Arizona, and belonged to the National Fire Club in California. He was an ASE certified technician and the business owner of Fast Diesel Inc., a company that repaired semi-trucks, chemical trailers, and forklifts. He also painted vehicles and restored cars. Those who knew him understood that if John did a job, he did it right—his standards were high, and his workmanship reflected a hard-earned wisdom built from years of experience and care.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Francis Yeager and Eva Pickett; his brother, Bernard; and his sister, Evelyn. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Charlotte; his son, Jerry; his daughter, Carolyn; his stepchildren, Lynda, Carol, Marilyn, and Suzanne; seven step-grandchildren; and ten step-great-grandchildren.

John Lawrence Yeager will be remembered with respect for the life he built through hard work, for the strength he carried through changing times, and for the steady, practical wisdom he shared through the way he lived.