Donald Yeager
Donald was born in Molalla, Oregon to John and Bertie Yeager. He grew up in a large family of brothers and sisters and had many wonderful stories to tell of his childhood with his brothers Wilbert, Glen, Wade, Daryl; and sisters Mae and Joan. His father was a baker and Don always enjoyed a big slice of homemade hot bread dripping with butter.
Don married Lavelle Estabrook in November of 1940.
Don drove a Portland traction bus for 2 years. Billie Jean was born in 1942. For a short period he worked in Bonneville on the Dam. Don enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1944 through 1946. He was discharged with an American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and a Victory Medal. Don came home from the war and started work for the SP&S in Stevenson, WA. The family moved to different places for his signal maintenance job until the family finally settled in Maupin, Oregon.
Don and Lovelle enjoyed lots of different outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, motorbike riding and scuba diving. They were ambulance drivers and transporters for 17 years. In the summers they were both charter boat skippers on their boat “The Pixie” in Neah Bay, Washington.
After 30 plus years with the SP&S Railroad Don retired and moved to the Portland, Oregon area. Later they moved to Mill Creek, Washington to be nearer to their daughter Billie Jean Boggs. Don was a master woodworker and created many beautiful items; nutcrackers, credenzas, fireplace mantles and patio furniture for the whole family. Those items are cherished pieces in each of the family’s homes.
For the last 3 years Don and Lovelle have lived with their daughter, Billie and her husband Dick Boggs.
Don is survived by his wife Lavelle Yeager and daughter Billie and her husband Dick, granddaughter Kellie Preston and her husband David and great granddaughter Annie Preston and great grandson Adrian Preston, Lane and Gretchen, Chase, Sydney and his remaining living brother Daryl and sister Joan and many family and friends that they have enjoyed and loved throughout his life.
“Papa” will be missed he has given us all many wonderful memories.
3 Responses to “Donald Yeager”
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Uncle Donald was a wonderfully kind and generous person, who will be missed by all. My mom and dad were brought together by Don and Lavelle. They spent many great times together camping, hunting, and fishing. Great times were spent in Clackamas and on the river.I loved hearing all the stories of when uncle Don and Glen were working on the railroad. May all who knew him share in his blessed life. May God Bless
What a wonderful man. Billie and Dick, I am so sorry to hear of his passing, I know he will be missed by so many. It has been 2 years since I have seen Don and still remember how much he used to love to make people laugh! He would ask that I please be careful with “Old Cragley” referring to a “special” tooth. Honored to be his hygienist for so many years. XO
Uncle Donald and My Dad Glen were definately made from the same mold, their sense of humor, and the great stories. My fond memories of going to Uncle Donald & Aunt Lavelle house in Mopin and going dear hunting, getting up at 3am, coming home tired but still they had us laughing. I’m thinking of you all.