Steve was born May 17, 1953 in Wichita, Kansas to Claude and Lola (Parks) Yeager.
Steve entered the United States Army after graduating from Wichita East High School, where he excelled at athletics and lettered in football, track and gymnastics. Graduating first in his Advanced Infantry Training class at Fort Polk, LA. Steve was an excellent shooter and soon attained his Marksman and Sharpshooter proficiencies. Steve served two tours overseas in South Korea (on the DMZ) and in Germany. Returning home he was stationed in Fort Ord, CA and toured the country participating in shooting competitions and exhibitions. After leaving the service, Steve followed in his paternal grandfather’s footsteps and became a master carpenter. He worked for various construction companies in and around Carmel, CA, eventually moving to Las Vegas, NV, where he designed and constructed the fine cabinetry for many hotels and resorts. He moved to Portland, OR, where he continued work as a master carpenter. It was at this time that he developed an interest in solar and wind energy systems, designing and constructing his own equipment and wiring his home to live “off the grid.” Steve moved closer to family in 2017, settling near Fort Leonard Wood in Dixon, MO. There he continued utilizing his carpentry skills designing and making beehives for members of various bee clubs both locally and across the United States. Steve loved nothing better than working in his shop and sharing his knowledge with others (whether they wanted to learn it or not).
Steve was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Michael Yeager and Patrick Yeager and sister, Belinda Yeager.
Steve is survived by his son, Kevin (Stephanie) Yeager and granddaughter, Emma of Green Bay, WI, son, Joey Bradford, daughter, Kasie Jones of TX; sisters, Claudia Yeager-Smith of Peoria, AZ, Patricia (Nick) Brown of Smithville, MO, Mary (Russell) Farley of Olathe, KS, Elizabeth (Michael) Carpenter of Olathe, KS; many cousins; nieces; nephews; and friends.
Graveside services for Steve will be Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at the Denney Cemetery on K Hwy., Ava, MO with full military honors by the U.S. Army and Troy Herd American Legion Post 112. Officiating will be Pastor Oren Alcorn. Family requests love offerings to the family. Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO.
