Obituary of Robert W. "R.W." Yeager

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROBERT W. "R.W." YEAGER Robert Walker "R.W." Yeager, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2020 surrounded by family at the Andbe Home in Norton, Kansas. He was 89. R.W. was born on September 28, 1931 in Ashland, Kansas to William Raymond and Margaret (Piatt) Yeager. When he was young, his family moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he attended Blessed Sacrament grade school through the 8th grade. He attended high school at St. Joseph Military Academy in Hays, Kansas, graduating in 1949. R.W. received a degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University in 1953. At K-State, he met the love of his life, Doris L. Schwab. On December 30, 1952, they were married at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Wichita, and would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this year. At K-State, R.W. was a member of ROTC and the Phi Kappa Theta social fraternity. He and Doris made their home in Manhattan, Kansas, until R.W.'s graduation, when they moved to Ft. Benning, Georgia for R.W.'s basic officer training. For the remainder of his military service, he was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Following his military service, R.W. and his family returned to Wichita, where he was a salesman for Triple S Steel Buildings. During this time, R.W. met Bill Sharp, and in 1957, he relocated his family to Norton to join Sharp Construction Company, which he eventually owned until his retirement. R.W. was a loyal friend and devoted community member. He was part of a group that was instrumental in Norton's growth, bringing the Pizza Hut and Sunflower Apartments to Norton. R.W. has been a longtime season ticket holder and supporter of K-State athletics and an Ahern Fund contributor. He was an avid golfer and card player at the Prairie Dog Golf Club. He enjoyed the art of creating stained glass and has many pieces displayed throughout Norton. R.W. was a staunch conservative and an active member in the Republican party. R.W.'s greatest joy and love in life was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Doris, Norton; his children, Nancy (Jim) Lee, Lake Lotawana, Missouri; Sue (Greg) Gunther, Wichita; Robert "Bob" Yeager, Jr., Rio Rancho, New Mexico; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Carl Schwab; one sister-in-law, Catherine Yeager; other relatives and many friends. R.W. was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Guy Yeager, daughter-in-law, Denise Yeager, and three siblings, Marge, Bill and Nancy. There will be a private family Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of life at a later date. Memorials are suggested to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Norton, Kansas; the Andbe Home, Norton, Kansas; Valley Hope, Norton, Kansas or to a charity of your choice.