Craig Martin Yeager, thirty year old son of Vicki and C.W. Kimball of Olathe, KS and Charles Martin Yeager of Mason, WV died in his home on Nov. 8, from accidental causes. His aunt, Pam (Burton) Gillham of Prince George, VA also helped raise Craig and his twin sister Erin (Yeager) Smith when they were infants.
Craig was an Engineer/Paramedic for the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Department (Kansas). Craig also taught emergency medical classes at Johnson County Community College. He graduated from Olathe South High School and Johnson County Community College.
Craig loved sports of all kinds, particularly KU basketball, and he had a wicked 3-pointer shot that won him quite a few bets. He played league soccer when he was a youngster. Craig possessed a wry sense of humor and he had a glancing look that got him nicknamed "sly old fox." He loved to party with his many close friends. Craig was particularly proud to be a firefighter and he highly valued his many friends in the emergency services community.
Craig was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Lewis D. Burton, his paternal grandmother, Lavera Yeager and his half sister, Jaselyn Kimball. He is survived by his mom and dad, Vicki and C.W. Kimball, his twin sister Erin and her husband Aaron Smith, and his half sister Lauren Kimball, all of Olathe, KS. He also leaves behind his aunt Pam and uncle Cliff Gillham and his cousin Kamryn of VA, a half brother, Jeff Kimball of KS, a half brother Chad Kimball of TX, and a half brother and half sister, Heath and Haley Yeager of WV.
Other aunts and uncles include Sally and Ralph Ross, WV; Carl and Susan Kimball, CO; Don and Carolle Weissinger, MO; Dan and Cathy Fogle, OK; Richard and Claudia Bowe, OK, and many other cousins including Katie and Doug Bowe, Danny and Brian Fogle, Kristin Ferretti, Amy Cremeans and Shawn Ross. He is also survived by his grandmother Pat Burton, his father, Marty Yeager and his Grandfather, Charles Yeager of Mason WV, and Craig's girlfriend Janine Patsch. He also leaves behind his beloved English bulldog, Dakota.
Visitation will be at the Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th (13th and Massachusetts) in Lawrence, Kansas on Wednesday evening, Nov. 12th, from 6:00 pm through 9:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Nov. 13th at 10:00 am, at the Mustard Seed Church, 700 Wakarusa Drive, Lawrence, Kansas.
The family recommends in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions could be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Fund, the KU Burn Unit, or KANSAS SAFE. The department will be happy to assist with any contributions.
Brothers, we will be hosting the 63rd annual State Council of Firefighters Conference June 11 through 14. the Conference will be hosted at the Hays Holiday Inn Convention Center located at 3603 Vine Hays, Kansas. Hotel rooms will be $65.00. They can be booked by calling the Holiday Inn at 785-625-7371 and mentioning you are with the State Council of Firefighters. Registration for the Conference will be $55.00 per person and will include a ticket to the banquet which this year will be a hog roast in a local park. Dress will be casual for the banquet.
We will also be hosting the annual PAC Golf Tournament on Wednesday June 11th. The tournament will be a two man scramble at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course 1450 Golf Course Rd, Hays, KS. The tournament will be $55.00 per person and includes a cart and meal at the golf course. Registration will be a 12:00 with tee times starting at 1:00. Prizes will be awarded following the tournament. Luke Scoby is the contact person for the golf tournament. He can be reached at 785-650-3237 if there are any questions.
We look forward to seeing you at this years conference. If there are any questions or you need any other information, I can be reached at 785-650-5253 or emailed at atditter@eaglecom.net.
Members don't forget to make plans to attend the annual KSCFF Legislative Reception January 31st. As in previous years there will be an E-Board meeting around 2:00 which everyone is encouraged to attend. During the board meeting our Lobbyists will discuss issues important to Kansas professional fire fighters. This will be the time to get updated on current legislation that will affect current members and retirees. After the board meeting a representative from KPERS will discuss issues important to our retirement and answer question anyone may have.
Hotel information is located on the calendar and can be found by clicking on the 31st.
