Warren Daniel Yeager

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 30 at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood Road in Stafford.

Immediately following, all are invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Warren during a reception in the event room.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with his family at www.earthmansouthwest.com.

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The name “Warren” means warden or protective friend. Yeager translated from German means Hunter. He mentioned to me in early 2023 ago his name implied that he would be a protector of the forest. As a young boy, he was always loyal to his friends.

Warren's vocabulary was very good; in elementary school he tested as having a 12th grade word recognition. He had a knack for writing. Warren enjoyed history books - I told him that my father also enjoyed history, and even though Warren was many born years after my father died, I think Warren felt a connection.

Warren was also skilled at computer repair and upgrades, and for a while had taken a computer repair class at the local vocational campus. Unlike me, he wasn’t anxious about taking computers apart and replacing parts.

Warren was very sensitive; so much so that he sometimes took offense when none was intended. Also, if he didn't want to do something, he would dig in his heels and not budge. Warren was not manipulative or calculating when it came to relationships, but he did hold his cards close to his chest. It was hard to know what he was thinking, and I usually found out what was going on after the fact. Warren didn’t seem to sense the guile in some people, which I believe led some unscrupulous “friends” to take advantage of him.

Warren was in the hospital in the last week of April; when he returned, he seemed much improved - he helped around the house after my hernia surgery, taking on the yard chores, washing dishes, cleaning the bathrooms and keeping his room clean. He also restarted studying for his math GED (he already passed the other GED subjects easily.) Most days, we worked math problems for several hours. Although he struggled with concentration, he was able to retain what he had learned.

Several weeks prior to his death, I mentioned to him that I was planning a trip to see my mother, he asked if he could come and I said of course, and I would like to see some Civil War battlefields along the way. Just before we started to pack our bags, he backed out. He seemed to become more withdrawn in his last few days. I told him (if I took the trip) we could work over the internet together if he needed to help with his math or just wanted to talk. I told him it's not where you start that counts, it's where you end up; also, I said that he could talk with me any time he needed to, and I wouldn't judge him. A few days before he died, I sat down next to him on the patio. We were still for a while. He put his arm over my shoulder and I held his hand; he said “I love you, Dad”, and I said “I love you too, Warren.” We sat there for what seemed like a long time in the summer heat, but I’d give everything just to have five minutes with him now.

No parents should outlive their children. It doesn't seem fair, but I'm told that God operates in what is best, not necessarily what is fair. I'm also told that I should practice the attitude of gratitude. With that in mind, I am grateful to have had the gift of his life for almost 22 years. I'm certain he was supposed to be here and his life has meaning and significance.

Warren's difficulties are over. He isn't gone - he's just not here. And each day that goes by is one day closer to when I'll see him again.

Rev. Maclean from A River Runs Through it:

Each one of us here today will at one time in our lives look upon a loved one who is in need and ask the same question: We are willing to help, but what, if anything, is needed? For it is true we can seldom help those closest to us. Either we don't know what part of ourselves to give or, more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted. And so it is those we live with and should know who elude us. But we can still love them - we can love completely without complete understanding.

Never out of my Hands - Katherine Barnes

I know your heart is weary

I know your hope is gone

I know the night is all around you

I know you don't feel strong

I know your burden's heavy

I know the tears you cried

I even know your broken heart

and the pain you tried to hide

But don't you know that I'm your Father

Remember you’re my child

Let my love

remind you of this promise one more time

You're never out of my hand

You're never alone

When the winds of life surround you

let me gently lead you home

I created you, I love you, I called you my own

You're never out of my hand

And my child even now, you are never alone

I know the wounds you suffered

I know each cry for help

I know the desperation

and I see your loneliness

But I am God Almighty

I am the king of kings

I am your gentle shepherd

and the restorer of all things

And I know you think this problem's big

but my power is bigger still

release your will and just be still

find rest in me alone

You're never out of my hand

You're never alone

When the winds of life surround you

let me gently lead you home

I created you, I love you, I called you my own

You're never out of my hand

And my child even now, you are never alone