Wayne Gilbert Yager

Wayne Gilbert Yager, 91, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, at The Waters in Columbia City.

Wayne was born September 25, 1934 on the family farm near Craigville, to Laurin Day and Naomi (Gilbert) Yager. He graduated from Lancaster Central High School and Manchester College (now University). He began his teaching career at Akron High School leading classes in physical education, biology, and literature while coaching varsity track and cross country as well as junior varsity basketball. He also taught sixth grade at Liberty Center School in Wells County.

Wayne served in the National Guard from 1957-1960. He married Lorele Dixon in 1964 and they moved to Churubusco where they became parents of two sons, Larry and Kirk.

At Churubusco, Wayne taught middle school social studies and physical education and coached junior high cross country, basketball, and track. After that, he drove a semi-truck for Chemical Engineering for 13 years.

He devoted much time to the Churubusco Park and to the Churubusco United Methodist Church in various capacities. He enjoyed collecting scrap metal for recycling and donating the proceeds, collecting old sporting goods, biking, as well as attending auctions, garage sales, and flea markets.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, Larry (Colleen) Yager and Kirk Yager; a daughter-in-law, Tanya Yager; grandchildren, Eric, Annamarie, and Joel Yager; a sister, Ellen Snyder and several nieces and nephews survive.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Don Yager.

A celebration of life will be held in the Churubusco Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, May 23, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

Memorial gifts may be donated to the Churubusco Town Park or the Churubusco United Methodist Church.