HOLYROOD — Charles ‘Charlie’ J. Yager, 80, passed away with his wife by his side Sept. 15, 2025, at Ellsworth County Medical Center in Ellsworth, Kan. He was born March 2, 1945, in Great Bend to Charles “Curly” W. and Lucille (Glick) Yager. Charlie attended K-State University before returning to Holyrood and marrying his high school sweetheart, Sharlene Hazen on Sept. 6, 1964. She passed away April 13, 1986.
Charlie married Jacqueline Murray on June 16, 1990, surrounded by the beauty of Lake Tahoe. He spent his career with the gas plant in Bushton. He rose to co-manager of the Enron facility. He then went to work for T & C Manufacturing in Great Bend. He was admired and respected by all his coworkers. He was a loyal, honest, hard-working man. He loved to provide food on the table with his hunting and fishing trips, using his self-made jigs to catch the prized fish. He enjoyed a good game of golf. Most of all, Charlie reveled in the time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Jacqueline Yager; son, Brian Yager and his wife Sheri of Great Bend; daughter, Dorinda Cariker of Dallas, Texas; sister, Marjorie Heiken and her husband Edward of Blaine, Wash.; grandchildren, Darion Yager (Brittany), Ty Yager (fiancée’ Tanya Sanchez), Heaven Lankas (Andrew), Keanu Yager, Cheyenne Swain, Austin Swain; four great grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Kayleen Yager. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Sharlene Yager, son-in-law, Brent Cariker, and brother, Larry Yager.
Per Charlie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no service at this time. A celebration of his life and legacy will be held at a later date that will be announced. Memorials have been designated to Nature Conservancy of Kansas (to benefit Cheyenne Bottoms), Golden Belt Humane Society, or American Cancer Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Rd.
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 18, 2025
