Richard "Freck" Yeargain

After almost 70 years of faithful evangelism Dick Yeargain flew into the arms of Jesus his Savior. Richard Eugene Yeargain was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Joseph Ira and Ruth Cole Yeargain on March 10, 1926. In 1943 Dick graduated from Pine Bluff High School with happy memories as a tuba player and dedicated Zebra. Later he attended the University of Arkansas and in 1957 received a B.A. from Morningside College in Iowa. The tough years of 1929-33 brought him to a paper route at age seven followed by being a “car knocker” on the Cotton Belt railroad and other various jobs until he joined the Air Force in 1944 and retired in 1945 to attend the University of Arkansas to earn the rank of 2nd Lieutenant as an advanced fighter pilot, there begins a career that spanned 23 years of dedication and excellence. He was well known for his outstanding accomplishments that covered training French cadets receiving honorary membership in the French Air Force, training an advanced all weather F86D fighter squadron for flying in weather conditions, teaching B-47 pilots to fly jet instruments, opening Grand View AFB. Dick was not only a pilot but also received many awards in marksmanship (with one group including Robert Stack and Lee Marvin). Another top performance was leading the first firing of the M-16 from an airplane. While in San Antonio in 1950 he met and married Betty Tatum, and was blessed with four children: Richard, Janet, Karen, and Rebecca as they travelled in their military life. There were tours in Germany, Japan, Afghanistan and three in Vietnam with Japan being the most outstanding as it was in Masiwa on April 3, 1955, Dick’s life changed when he accepted Christ as his Savior. Evangelism became the dominant expression in his life. Flying and soul winning were well served! Always an energetic doer, Dick became a custom home builder. At various times in the military and Real Estate the paths of Anne Becker Roby and Dick crossed without a meeting until one rainy spring night on the dance floor of the Roaring 20’s their eyes met and 10 days later they were married, adding Houston, Clay, MaryAnne, Scotty and Martin (Beau) Roby to the Yeargain Clan. For 46 years Dick and Anne enjoyed building, decorating, water and snow skiing, scuba diving, golfing, traveling and many activities with nine children, 25 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Now Dick has “slipped the surly bonds of earth” and is awaiting the perfect reunion. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dallas and Clifford Yeargain, sister Sarah Ramick, grandsons, Jordan Yeargain and Jeremy Rogers and stepson, Scott Roby. Dick is survived by his wife Anne of 46 years, children, Richard E. Yeargain, Janet Lynn Rogers (Steve), Karen Lee Watson (Ward), Rebecca Anne Mozisek; stepchildren Houston “Skip” Roby (Margo), Clay Roby (Nancy), MaryAnne Roby (Jim), and Martin “Beau” Roby (Kandy) and three more generations of the five as well as numerous extended family and friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Lichtenstein and Hospice members Beverly, Tammie, Joyce and Pastor Don for their very caring services. FUNERAL SERVICEFRIDAY, MAY 6, 202212:30 P.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH

Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or your favorite or the charity of one’s choice.