Patrick Yeager

Patrick Yeager, 39 of Junction City, KS entered eternal rest on February 4, 2022 with his wife by his side.

He was born on 2 May 1982, in Leimen, Germany, a son of Rita E. Yeager and John D. Whitacre. On March 3, 2005 he married Lottie Marie (Iams) Yeager with whom he shared 16 years of marriage before his passing. He was a combat veteran of the US Army, serving from 2001 to 2021 which during that time also became a naturalized citizen while deployed in Afghanistan in 2009. His service to the US included 1 tour to Iraq, two tours to Afghanistan, one tour to Korea and two tours to Europe, finishing his 2 decade long commitment in Kansas with Fort Riley's 1st Infantry Division, the Big Red One with nearly 7 years of overseas combat tours and assignments.

Some of his awards and decorations consist of the Army Commendation Medal (x6), Army Achievement Medal (x5), Overseas Service Ribbon (x6), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (w/3 stars), Iraq Campaign Medal (w/ 2 stars), Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorist Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (w/ numeral 3), Master Aviation Badge, Master Driver's Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge, the Presidential Unit Citation and Meritorious Unit Citation (x2).

During and after his military service, Patrick attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Hopkinsville Community College, Washburn Technical Institute where he studied Professional Aeronautics andobtained a Certified Production Technician certification.

Upon retirement, Patrick owned and operated his company named Huts & Cuts Specialized Property Management, providing handyman and lawncare services to the community. He was always very charitable and always sought to help others. Some of his favorite charities were American Cancer Society, Kansas Masonic Foundation, and St. Jude's Children's Hospital. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, a Fellow Craft Mason of Junction City's AF & AM Freemason's Union Lodge #7, an active member of the Double Tap Defensive Shooting Club, IDPA and a lifetime member of the NRA.

He enjoyed activities such as biking, collecting movies, playing board games, woodworking, aviation related events, auto mechanics and soccer. Patrick held 5 soccer licenses and certifications and trained hundreds of children and adults in over 10 years volunteering with numerous CYS, YMCA and club facilities along with coaching an Army Battalion and Brigade level soccer team. Patrick coached and was certified in Bavaria, Germany as well as licensed through the Kansas Youth Soccer Association (KSYSA-USSF).

He is survived by his wife, Lottie M. (Iams) Yeager; his children, Aidan, Savion and Matson, his parents Rita E. (Rimmler) Yeager and John D. Whitacre, a sister, Christina Whitacre and a large extended family in Germany and the United States. A graveside with military honors will take place 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery. Junction City Masonic Lodge #7 will provide a service at the graveside. A visitation will take place the evening before on February 15, 2022 from 5-7 p.m.

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