Michael Kent Yager, age 51
February 27, 1971 – January 14, 2023
Michael Kent Yager, age 51, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 10:30 PM – Saturday, January 14, 2023, at his home.
Funeral services celebrating Michael’s life will be held at 2:00 PM – Sunday, January 22, 2023, at the New Beginnings Church in Newton, Illinois with Tom Matson officiating. Burial will be in theYager Cemetery with full military rites, by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 PM – Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. There will also be visitation ½ hour before the service in the church. In loving memory of Michael, memorials may be made to the Lucy and Lily Yager Education Fund. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Michael was born on February 27, 1971, in Olney, Illinois, the son of Richard Kent Yager and Debra Lynn Cunningham. He married Kelly Cook on July 10, 1998, in Roselle, Illinois.
Michael graduated with the Class of 1989, from Newton Community High School. Following high school, he earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois. Michael worked as an electronics technician with FE Moran.
Michael proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1994 till his honorable discharge in 1997. He enjoyed cars, bicycles, and motorcycles, and was always tinkering on something. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Michael’s family was the most important thing in life, and he enjoyed every moment spent with them.
Michael was a member of Jasper Post #20 American Legion. He attended New Beginnings Church and knew Jesus as his Lord and savior.
Michael is survived by:
Wife of 24 years – Kelly Yager of Newton, Illinois
Daughters – Lucy Yager and Lily Yager of Newton, Illinois
Siblings – Donna (Bob) Peterson of Brownsburg, Indiana; Lori (Randy) Smith, Jr. of Newton, Illinois; Ryan Yager of Greenville,South Carolina; and Nathan Yager of Mattoon, Illinois
Father – Richard (Cheryl) Yager of Newton, Illinois
Mother – Debbie (Ron) Granby of Newton, Illinois
Father-in-law and Step Mother-in-law – Lee and Sandy Cook of Elgin, Illinois
Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents Gene and Mary Cunningham and Pete and Avis Yager and mother-in-law Sharon Cook.
