Donald Kent Yeager

Donald Kent Yeager, age 87, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home on April 20, 2025. His family was close by as he entered the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ. Don was born on March 10, 1938, to Harry Wade and Anna Beatrice (Dunbar) Yeager in Greeneville, Tennessee. Don grew up on a poultry farm, where he developed a strong work ethic. He graduated from Washington College Academy and served in the United States Army after attending East Tennessee State University. He then began his career in retail with the J.C. Penney Company, retiring in 1998 after 38 years of dedicated service, leaving a community of co-workers who would become lifelong friends. Just as J.C. Penney shaped his business philosophy by the Golden Rule, Don chose to live by Matthew 7:12, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you..." NIV Don was a member of Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Don never met a stranger; he loved people, and people loved him. His warm smile and generous spirit made a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Don had a deep affection for animals, including his beloved cat, Annie. He enjoyed the mountains of East Tennessee, watching UT Sports, and working in his yard with his wife, Margaret. Those who knew Don will remember him for his unwavering commitment for spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. Other than his parents, Don is preceded in death by his loving wife of over 60 years, Margaret Linville Yeager; his son, Nicholas Jay Yeager; his daughter-in-law, Linda Marie Yeager as well as several other in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Don is survived by his daughter, Kelly Yeager Turner, and son-in-law, Mark Turner of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren, Maggie Yeager (Tommy Wood) of Huntsville, AL; D.J. Yeager of Knoxville, TN; and three great-grandchildren: Oliver Yeager, Levi Wood, and Ruby Wood. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Jerry Ramsey of Unicoi, TN; sister-in-law, Kay Linville McInturff of Unicoi, TN; sister-in-law, Eula Linville Tipton of Johnson City, TN; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to express their heart felt appreciation to Fresenius Dialysis Cedar Bluff, UT Palliative Care, and UT Hospice for providing medical care and support for Don. They would also like to thank the in-home caregivers who supported Don and his family over the past few years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cokesbury United Methodist Church Community Ministries, 9919 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37922. Flowers are also appreciated. The family will receive friends on April 25, 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM, with the funeral service immediately following at 7 PM at Rose Mann Funeral Home, 6200 Kingston Pike in Knoxville. The Rev. Charles Maynard will officiate. The service will be live-streamed via the Rose Mann Facebook page. The graveside service will follow on April 26, 2025, at 2 pm at Roselawn Memory Gardens in Johnson City, Tennessee. Family will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com.

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Donald Kent Yeager

March 10, 1938 - April 20, 2025