Ronald Joseph Yager

On Tuesday, September 6, 2022, Ronald Joseph Yager passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife and family, after a short struggle with advanced Leukemia.

Ron was born July 16, 1934 to Joseph Henry Yager and E. Lillian (Perkins) Yager, in Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia.

He lived with his missionary family in French Polynesia for 6 years, before moving with his parents and sister, Nadine, to Wiarton, Ontario, Canada, where he attended school through grade 12.

Ron completed his Associates degree in History at Graceland College, and went on to Missouri State Teachers College, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, and receiving a lifetime teaching certification in the state of Missouri.

He was drafted into the US Navy in 1955, and served as a Petty Officer 2nd Class/Boatswain's Mate (Navigator), and ship chaplain. Ron was honorably discharged in 1957, taught High School Sociology in Pensacola, FL for 1 year before accepting full-time appointment for the Community of Christ Church.

Ron’s first assignment was in Montana, where he met and married the love of his life for 62 years, Delavena Anne Duty, while bringing ministry in Spokane, WA. Ron and Del were sent as missionaries to Tokyo, Japan in December 1961. During their 8 years in Japan, Ron served as the Financial Officer, helped open the C of C Japan Church, served as Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts, and was blessed with his wife, by the birth of three children, Ron Jr, Delanne and Michele. After returning to the USA, Ron completed his theological training at the School of the Restoration.

Ron also served as a Seventy in the Gulf States Region, where he and Del were blessed with their 4th child, Scott. Continued serving in the Upper Ohio Valley Region. He was ordained to the office of High Priest/Bishop at World Conference 1978, and went on to serve the Community of Christ Church in Santa Fe Stake, Blue Valley Stake, Pacific Rim, Gulf States Region, Haiti/Dominican Republic, Jamaica, the Philippines, and Central Missouri Stake. Ron retired from full time appointment after 38 years of service, settling in Independence, MO, working as Co-Pastor and Evangelist in residence at the Stone Church.

As a second career, he provided ministry as an associate for Speaks Funeral Homes for 20 years.

Ronald is preceded in death by his parents J.H. & E.Lillian Yager, Sister and Brother-in-law Nadine & John (Jack) Rutherford. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Delavena Anne (Duty) Yager, son Ronald J. Yager Jr., daughter Delanne (Jon) Carlson, daughter Michele (David Spears) Conner, son Scott (Kerri) Yager, 12 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and many loved cousins, nieces & nephews.

Ron spent his 88 years as a good and faithful servant, putting others before himself, and sharing immense love with his family and beyond.

A visitation for Ron will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 3-5 pm at Stone Church Community of Christ (1012 W Lexington Ave, Independence, MO 64050). Services are to follow at 5pm. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements entrusted to Speaks Suburban Chapel, 816-373-3600).