Bruce O. Yeager

Bruce O. Yeager, age 87, of Numidia, died on Thursday evening, November 28, 2013 at his home surrounded by family and under the care of Columbia Montour Home Hospice. Bruce was born on Monday, May 31, 1926 in Slabtown, a son of the late Bruce O. and Mae (Billig) Yeager. Throughout his younger years, he attended and later graduated from the Numidia Area School. Following his high school education, Bruce enlisted with the United States Army Air Corps where he served his country faithfully during World War II. As a Corporal, Bruce served as a radar mechanic on the Enola Gay during the famous Crossroads Project in 1946, and was a member of the 509 Composite Group at Bikini Atoll. After returning home from the war, Bruce attended the former Bloomsburg State Teachers College. On May 31, 1949, Bruce married his loving wife, Lois R. Rairig. For many years, he worked for his father who owned Bruce O. Yeager construction and then pursued a career in insurance with Prudential Ordinary Agencies followed by Pennsylvania Farmers Association. Mr. Yeager was an active member of the Grace Reformed United Church of Christ in Mill Grove where he served in the consistory and was a charter member the Elks and American Legion. A lifetime hunter, he was a member of the Poe Valley Rod and Gun Club, a hunting cabin built by his father and friends in 1918. During retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Yeager loved to travel, visiting destinations throughout the country. He had a passion for music, often filling his home with sounds from ‘The Big Band Era’ and other songs throughout the decades. On September 4, 2009, Bruce was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, the late Lois R. Yeager. Survivors include four children: Kyle Yeager and wife, Janet, of Mooresville, NC; Clay Yeager and wife, Marie, of York; Machal Honabach and husband, Albert, of Roaring Creek; and Marsha Schmucker and husband James, of Lancaster; six grandchildren: Bryce Yeager, Jessica Marrotte, Adam Yeager, Bryn Yeager, Alex Schmucker and Ryan Schmucker; and two great-grandchildren: Owen and Claire Yeager; and also a sister: Lois Jean Shoffstall of Plant City, FL. A time of Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 7 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. from the Grace Reformed United Church of Christ, Mill Grove Road, Mill Grove. Funeral services will also begin on Saturday, December 7 at 12 p.m. from the Grace Reformed United Church of Christ, Mill Grove with his son-in-law, James Schmucker, officiating. Bruce will be laid to rest beside his wife in the Mill Grove Cemetery with Full Military Honors provided by a combined VFW/American Legion Group. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg is honored to be assisting the Yeager family. Memorial contributions in Bruce’s name are suggested to: Columbia Montour Home Hospice, 410 Glenn Ave., Suite 200, Bloomsburg, PA 17815

Bruce O. Yeager

May 31, 1926 - November 28, 2013