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Retired W.Va. Guard general, former Dunbar mayor Yeager dies

DUNBAR, W.Va. — Those in the city of Dunbar and within the West Virginia National Guard family are fondly remembering Dr. Jack Yeager after his death this week.

Jack Yeager

Yeager was a former Dunbar mayor, retiring in 2013. It’s one of the many accomplishments to his credit during his life, according to current Dunbar Mayor Bill Cunningham.

“He is a driven, dedicated public servant,” Cunningham said. “I think everything he did in his life was based on service to city, state, and country.”

Cunningham worked as the Dunbar building inspector under Yeager. He credited Yeager with helping forge a comprehensive plan for the city and bringing many of the city’s building codes up to modern standards to reflect those of the state. Additionally, he credited Yeager’s leadership for home rule in Dunbar and for initiating the relationship with the Kanawha County Parks and Recreation Commission for the city to run Shawnee Park, which is now becoming the Shawnee Park Multi-Sports Complex.

“He planted the seeds for a lot of positive growth and change in Dunbar,” said Cunningham.

Beyond his work with the city of Dunbar, Yeager was a retired Brigadier General with 39 years of service in the West Virginia National Guard. He formerly served as commander of the Army National Guard.

Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, issued the following statement on Yeager’s passing.

“I am saddened to hear of the loss of a great friend and West Virginia patriot, Gen. Jack Yeager. General Yeager served selflessly in this organization for nearly four decades and made a significant impact on the Soldiers he lead and served with. Jack spent his career advocating for veterans and working specifically on behalf of West Virginia’s veteran population, which is a testament to his character and service. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this very difficult time and I know he will be greatly missed.”

Yeager was also director of Selective Service in West Virginia, and spent time as a professor at the Marshall Graduate College.

“His accomplishments are just phenomenal as an individual when you go back and look at it,” said Cunningham.

Funeral arrangements for Yeager are pending.





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