Donald Roy Yeager

PARK HILLS 1st Sgt. Donald Roy Yeager, U.S. Army retired, passed away on April 15, 2024, at his home at the age of 81 after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was born on May 15, 1942, in River Rough, Michigan, to Emmett and Ruby (Watters) Yeager. Don is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Howard Crites of Antonia, two very special nieces, Jennifer (Mark) Vandoren and Christine (Shannon) Spurling, a special nephew, Greg K. Spurling, lifelong friends, Norman and Janet Seithel of Herculaneum, Platoon Private Sergeant Hank Kennedy of Florida and Specialist Four Bruce (Gayle) Wilson of California. Don "Dad" is also survived by one special family that he loved with all his heart, The Reever family of Doe Run: Dons daughter Buffie, son-in-law, Stephen, and their extended family members, his grandson, Sgt. Matthew Reever, his granddaughter, Amber Perry and her girls, his great granddaughters, Chevelle and Elleanor. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 33 years, Regina "Jeannie" (Barks) Yeager who passed away on July 10, 2023, and his sister, Barbara Yeager. Don served six years in the United States Marine Corps and was discharged after his second tour in Vietnam as a Sergeant. He was awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and three Bronze Combat Stars. He then enlisted in the Army and retired as a Tank Commander 1st Sergeant after sixteen years for a total of 22 years of military service. He was a life member of the VFW Post 5896 of Farmington, a life member of the Amvets Post 113 of Farmington and a member of the American Legion Post 416 of Farmington. Don and his wife, Jeannie, had rental property in the Flat River area for many years. As a genealogist he researched and compiled over 38 family trees at no charge. He was a member of Find a Grave for 15 years and transcribed, photographed and recorded over 16,500 graves in Iron, Madison, Ste. Genevieve, Washington, and St. Francois counties. He repaired many broken markers and upright headstones. Buffie introduced Don to the East Bonne Terre First Baptist Church where he was baptized as a member and learned to love all the wonderful members and ministers of the church that he cherished so much. A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 12:00 noon until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel. Interment with full military honors to follow at Doe Run Memorial Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his wife, Jeannie. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Doe Run Cemetery Upkeep Fund, P.O. Box 366, Doe Run, MO 63637, Camp Hope, c/o Chris Neal, P.O. Box 52, Farmington, MO 63640 or Wounded Warrior, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. View the obituary and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Visitation Cozean Memorial Chapel and Crematory Saturday, April 20, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Funeral Service Cozean Memorial Chapel and Crematory Saturday, April 20, 2024 1:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640